LEAD Ohio Trainings: Run For Office 2026

All politics start at the local level! The 2026 election cycle will have many opportunties for you to serve your community on the November 3, 2026, General Election ballot. Please contact the Erie County Board of Elections for information on what specific offices/positions will be included in the 2024 election cycle – 419.627.7601. Call now to ensure you don’t miss any deadline dates for this election cycle. NOTE: DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING PARTY PETITIONS IS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026, at 4:00pm!

The Ohio Democratic Party’s 2026 Main Street Initiative in partnership with LEAD Ohio PAC – Ohio’s pre-eminent candidate training program for progressives – to provide top-notch training and meet other candidates running throughout the state! This year, we’re doubling down on our commitment to building a diverse, skilled and capable bench of local candidates and political operatives who are committed to making a change in their community.

LEAD OH

Over 150 candidates expressed interest in running for office! Our team here at ODP has carefully vetted those who expressed interest in joining Main Street to ensure that they are registered Democrats who will uphold the party’s values and are reputable members of their community.

The Ohio Democratic Party has trained candidates and staff and invested $1.5 million+ on local races across the state. And all the effort and investment has paid off! New judges, school board members, mayors, city council members and county commissioners have been elected along with retaining offices within traditionally Democratic strongholds – including 13 of 15 the largest city mayors. In addition, our diversity has increased as the next generation of public servants are coming forward to run for elected office! This program works!

We look forward to working with candidates and campaign volunteers of various backgrounds and experience levels, including those who have previously run for office or have been involved in state and local politics for many years, to those who are brand new to the political process.

Plan to attend the next boot camp session! This training is for potential Democratic candidates, current officeholders, party activists and volunteers who may want to run or volunteer on campaigns in 2022 or beyond. You’ll learn how to get ready to run while building the skills and connections you’ll need for a successful campaign!

Are you interested in public service? The 2023 election cycle will bring many opportunities for you to run for office! Local elections include city, township and village positions that will be on the November 2026 General Election ballot. Please contact the Erie County Board of Elections for information on what specific offices/positions will be included in the 2026 election cycle – 419.627.7601. Call now to ensure you don’t miss any deadline dates for this election cycle.

For more information, please visit the link below:
LEAD Ohio 2026 Programs


Do you feel the call to Public Service?

Plan to do the important first step:
Sign up for a LEAD Ohio Training Program!

Training helps potential candidates to understand what’s on the ballot in 2026, what it’s like to run for office and serve, and how to collect signatures and file their paperwork. The goal is to encourage candidates to run and help them to consider their options.

As training become available, information and links to register will be provided.