How do you combine targeted digital strategy with old‑school, face‑to‑face connections? In this bonus episode, you’ll get a behind‑the‑scenes look at what it really takes to run, stay human, and keep your family close through the campaign grind.

In this episode, Philip and Robert Mestman discuss: 

• Running a countywide judicial campaign in Orange County
• Social media and digital targeting in modern elections
• Yard signs, canvassing, and the power of personal connection
• Victims’ rights and the impact of Marcy’s Law
• Family support, community service, and staying grounded while campaigning

Lightbulb Moments:

• Running a “down ballot” judicial race demands extra effort to educate voters who often have little information about the candidates.
• A multifaceted campaign that blends social media, digital ads, signs, and direct voter contact can be more effective than relying on any single channel.
• Showing the human side—community service, family, even the family dog—often resonates more online than formal, “all business” campaign content.
• Personal connection remains critical in politics; small meet‑and‑greets and neighborhood conversations can turn casual voters into committed advocates.
• Balancing a demanding campaign with family life requires strong support at home and a willingness to lean on those who know you best.

“People want to see kind of the human side of candidates, that you're just a regular person in the community, volunteering, helping kids, kind of give the human interest side that those, those posts I find, are more popular than the mundane, campaign-related posts.” - Robert Mestman

Episode 155 with Robert: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/robert-mestman-building-relationships-serving-well/id1748362429?i=1000743302055

Robert Mestman is an Orange County (California) Senior Assistant District Attorney and part of the Executive Management Team for DA Todd Spitzer.  He has been a criminal prosecutor for more than 24 years and also served as a special federal prosecutor and on the Board of Directors of the California District Attorneys Association. Before his work in the criminal justice system, Robert worked on Capitol Hill in the US Senate as a legislative aide.  Robert graduated cum laude from Northwestern University School of Law and has an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.  He has been in public service for most of his career, devoted to public safety and the fair administration of justice. He is running for Superior Court judge in the June 2026 election. Robert lives in Huntington Beach, California, with his wife and two children.   

Connect with Robert Mestman: 

Website: https://mestman4judge.com/ 

Connect with Philip: 

Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ 

Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ 

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw 

https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ 

Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at [email protected] or call 410-340-6861. 

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