Run File 02: Race Snapshot (optional)

Know the Race You’re Getting Into

Before you decide whether to run, get a clearer picture of the race. You don’t need to become an election analyst. Start with what you know, look up a few facts, and leave the rest for later.

Everything here is optional. Your answers will become part of My Run File.

Section 1
- Office · District · Election date · Term length
- Is there an incumbent?
- Are they expected to run again?
Office
District
Election date
Term length
Is there an incumbent?
YesNo, it’s an open seatNot sure
Are they expected to run again?
YesNoNot sure
Section 2
- Start with the most recent comparable election. Add others if they’re useful.
- What, if anything, do these results tell you about the district?
Start with the most recent comparable election. Add others if they’re useful.
Election 1
Year / election
Winning vote total
Margin
Turnout, if available
Candidates / parties
Source
What, if anything, do these results tell you about the district?
Past results give you context, not a prediction. Compare similar elections where possible.
Section 3
- Who are you likely to face?
- What advantages might they have?
- What advantages might you have? What would you need to build?
Who are you likely to face?
What advantages might they have?
What advantages might you have? What would you need to build?
Section 4
- Is someone encouraging or recruiting you to run?
Is someone encouraging or recruiting you to run?
YesNo
If nobody is recruiting you, skip this section.
Section 5
- What surprised you?
- What important questions remain unanswered?
- Who could help you get better answers?
What surprised you?
What important questions remain unanswered?
Who could help you get better answers?
Section 6
- The race I’m looking at
- What seems to make this race harder?
- What seems to create an opportunity?
- Based on what I know right now...
The race I’m looking at
What seems to make this race harder?
What seems to create an opportunity?
Based on what I know right now...
You aren’t being asked to declare the race winnable or unwinnable. This is a snapshot of what you know today.

Run File 02: Race Snapshot (optional)

1The basicsIdentify the race you’re considering.Open+

2What happened last time?Look at past results without treating them as predictions.Open+

3Who’s in the picture?Consider the competition and possible advantages.Open+

4Why are you being asked?Understand the expectations behind a recruitment pitch.Open+

5What don’t you know?Keep track of questions worth investigating.Open+

6Your Race SnapshotPull together what you’ve learned so far.Open+