Great stuff by the Democratic Party of Virginia and National Democratic Training Committee, helping to “build out the Democratic bench and brand in Virginia,” and to “prepare a diverse class of first-time candidates to run strong campaigns for years to come.” Which is just what we need if we want to keep the “blue”/progressive momentum going from the past few years, and never allow Republicans to move Virginia backwards yet again.
Ahead of Fall Elections, Democratic Party of Virginia to Launch Intensive Statewide Candidate Training Program with the National Democratic Training Committee
RICHMOND — Today, the Democratic Party of Virginia, announced a unique partnership with the National Democratic Training Committee, launching, for the first time, an intensive eight week, virtual candidate cohort training program featuring 20 diverse candidates from all corners of the state.
This training program comes ahead of the state’s fall elections, which will be the first since the presidential, and will set the stage for the 2022 midterms. It aims to provide resources for these candidates so they can run a successful campaign that ultimately leads them to victory in their respective races and further build out the Democratic bench and brand in Virginia.
“With elections every year in Virginia, building a deep bench of strong Democratic candidates who can run for office up and down the ballot is crucial,” said Virginia Democratic Party Chair Susan Swecker. “Our success here is rooted in our strong belief that to win and keep winning year after year, our work starts at the local level. Today’s school board members and city councilors are tomorrow’s members of Congress, and that’s why we’re excited to partner with the National Democratic Training Committee to run a training program for local candidates this year. We’re committed to electing Democrats at every level across the Commonwealth, and this training program will prepare a diverse class of first-time candidates to run strong campaigns for years to come.”
Over the course of the eight weeks, candidates will learn how to manage campaign finances and fundraise, build a campaign plan, develop their message, and ensure they know the ins and outs of digital campaigning in the age of COVID and more.
“With all eyes on Virginia this fall, we are thrilled to be partnering with the Democratic Party of Virginia for this innovative partnership to build up the next generation of leaders in this state,” said Kelly Dietrich, founder & CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee. “We are proud to stand with these incredibly talented individuals looking to make a difference in their communities and believe the tools we will teach them throughout this series of trainings will set them on a path for victory, inspire those to get involved around them, and continue the statewide momentum of a Blue Virginia.”
The cohort is composed of 20 diverse candidates including people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, representing all of the congressional districts in the state. The candidates participating in the program, many who are first time candidates, are running for clerk of court, city council, school board, water supervisor, and more.
For Democratic candidates or those considering running for office, working on a campaign or becoming a local party leader who are not involved in this training cohort can visit www.TrainDemocrarts.org to access free on-demand training.
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