A political campaign is a concerted effort to advance policy positions in an election cycle. Political campaigns typically focus on issues and candidates of high interest to voters. The most high-profile political campaigns are those for presidential candidates or for the executive branch, such as governors or state attorneys general.
Most political campaigns are based on a single candidate, but there are also multi-candidate congressional and legislative races. In addition to these partisan elections, there are a variety of statewide races for executive offices such as the Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, and Treasurer. These competitive races are the most highly organized and professional, as they are often the key to maintaining party control of state government or deciding salient policy issues.
Political campaign work can be challenging and stressful, especially for people who are just starting out. Many entry-level positions are volunteer only and offer little in the way of compensation other than access to a campaign team and a network. However, a commitment to the project and the team can help you move quickly up the ranks as other volunteers leave or if senior staff members see that you are serious about the campaign.
Some of the best campaign jobs can be found on online job boards, but a significant number of people get their start by getting a referral from someone on the campaign or from a college or law school alumni group affiliated with partisan work. Contacting the president of your law school’s GOP or Democratic club, or the American Constitution Society or Federalist Society can help you identify alumni working on political campaigns or who might be able to connect you with a student group that does such work.
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