Running for office is the hardest thing I’ve ever done — harder than starting my first company, harder than fundraising for my first startup, and yes… even harder than writing my first book. In this season finale of The Candidate, I share an unfiltered look at my first few months as a first-time candidate in North Hempstead, New York.
From hitting my first filing deadline and raising $160,000… to being called out on the dance floor by an Elvis impersonator… to discovering just how much national politics can impact a local race — this journey has been eye-opening, humbling, and at times, completely surreal.
I talk about the real #1 factor in winning local elections (hint: it’s not what I thought when I started), how I’m balancing an all-consuming campaign with showing up for my family, and the lessons I wish I’d known from day one.
Most importantly, I end this season with a call to action: support the local candidates in your community. Even $10 can make a difference in getting great people — not career politicians — into office.
This one’s personal, candid, and a reminder that no matter how tough the fight, you can’t stop me from being me.
Topics We Cover in This Episode:
Hitting my first campaign filing deadline and raising $160K
Why fundraising matters more than anything else in local politics
The Elvis “Fun Day Monday” incident and what it taught me about competition
How national politics can ripple into local races — for better or worse
Balancing community events with my commitment to family
- Why small donations have a big impact on democracy
Support the Campaign:Want to help me keep going? Contribute here: Let’s Go Dave