Candidates Matter. Campaigns Matter. Preparation Matters.
A weekly leadership letter from Candidate School
Before Your Name Is on the Ballot
Long before a name appears on the ballot, leadership is being formed
I recently attended a virtual conference hosted by United Latinas to round out Hispanic Heritage Month and to my delight, the national conversation opened with women and politics- my fave topic! I got my hot cup of coffee and sat back into my chair to listen to the dynamic leaders on the panel: Lt. Governor Sabina Matos of RI, Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz of NJ, Dr. Patrica Campos-Medina of NJ and Gabby Chavez-Lopez of CA.
It was an honor to listen to women taking action from identifying a long held issue left unresolved in their communities. They each took their set of circumstances and ventured into an uncertain world of politics. But wisdom and experience was on their side. As they discussed the challenges and opportunities women navigate in public leadership, one message stood out:
Trust is your word.
Trust is built when what we say aligns with what we do—when we keep our commitments, remain present in our communities, and act with integrity even when no one is watching. That kind of trust does not begin when someone announces a campaign. It is built over time. It begins when we get an inkling to solve an existing issue. And it grows when we become part of the community rather than simply appearing when we need something from it.
It grows when we speak up, listen, learn, take action, and help find solutions. It grows when we walk into rooms where decisions are being made—even when we are uncertain whether we belong there—and then use our presence to create space for others.
As early voting is underway in many communities, I keep returning to a simple truth:
Candidates matter. Campaigns matter. And preparation matters.
Candidates matter because character, judgment, lived experience, and relationships shape how someone will serve. Campaigns matter because they introduce a candidate’s values and vision to the community. They reveal how that person listens, communicates, responds under pressure, organizes resources, and treats others. Preparation matters because running for office is not easy—and the campaign should not be the first time someone begins practicing leadership.
Before entering a race, future candidates can build a portfolio of leadership and service. That portfolio may include serving on a board or commission, advocating for an issue, organizing neighbors, volunteering with a community organization, learning how local government works, or helping solve a problem others have overlooked.
These experiences do more than fill a résumé. They develop judgment. They deepen relationships. They help future candidates understand the people they hope to represent. Most importantly, they allow others to experience their leadership before they ever ask for a vote.
You do not have to wait for a campaign to begin preparing for public office.
This is the content I am developing in the First Track: "I'm Thinking About Running" with a release after the mid-terms. The exploration and self-assessment are vital to be a strong candidate and build an effective campaign. Begin where you are and assess your portfolio of leadership service. I bet it already has a host of wins to fill with! Join the waitlist on the link below.
This week, I invite you to consider:
Where am I already demonstrating leadership?
What experience or relationship do I need to develop next?
How am I building trust before asking others to place their trust in me?
At Candidate School, we believe a strong candidacy begins with a prepared leader. We help people explore public office, understand the journey, and develop the clarity, confidence, and foundation needed to enter it well.
Because Election Day may determine who wins—but the preparation to lead begins long before the ballot.
Preparing the Next Generation of Civic Leaders
Coming Soon
Our new Leadership Tracks include:
I'm Thinking About Running
I'm Ready to Run
I'm Newly Elected
I Want to Lead More Effectively
I Want to Make a Bigger Impact
✨ Join the waitlist to receive early access, downloadable leadership guides, and updates as we launch this next chapter of Candidate School.
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📖 Read The Unlikely Candidate
My story isn't simply about running for office. It's about overcoming self-doubt, finding purpose, and discovering that leadership often begins long before we believe we're ready.
🎤 Bring this conversation to your organization
I enjoy speaking with leadership teams, universities, associations, nonprofits, and civic organizations on leadership, courage, public service, and the journey of becoming the leader your community needs.
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dm@dianamaldonado.com
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