Run to Win

November 2, 2020
Schriock, the president of Emily’s List, a political action committee geared toward helping pro-choice Democratic women candidates, debuts with an accessible guide to running for office. The traditional qualifications for running are less important than “integrity, passion, energy, commitment, and a true willingness to work hard, learn, and ask for help,” Schriock writes. Questions women should ask themselves before starting a campaign include “What motivates me?” and “What do I have to offer?” Schriock notes that Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams is an introvert who learned to “overcome her shyness” to achieve her goals, and points to Illinois congresswoman Lauren Underwood as an example of how to mine a sense of purpose from one’s experience. After working to implement the Affordable Care Act for the Obama administration, Underwood was shocked when her Republican congressman voted for a bill that would have undermined its protections for people with preexisting conditions. She ran for his seat and won. Schriock also explains best practices for campaign fund-raising, how to move forward after a loss, and how to keep a campaign team happy and committed to the cause. Though Schriock meanders into superfluous personal anecdotes, women contemplating a political career will appreciate her comprehensive and easy-to-follow advice.