October 14, 2025
Running for office can be intimating. The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce wants to make sure you are prepared and have access to information and resources to help you succeed and represent your community.
Why Run for Your Local Office?
Whether you are interested in making a change for you community, motivated by the belief you can make a difference, or are driven by the opportunity to address a particular issue, consider running for your local office. Being a representative of your local office means more than just a title. Your are the voice of your constituents, making decisions for the better of your community.
Steps to Take
- Prepare -
- Assess personal strengths/weaknesses. Ask a friend or colleague.
- Identify skills/experiences. Refer to your resume.
- Can you take criticism?
- What topics are important to you?
- Prepare an elevator pitch.
- Political Capital -
- What is your relationship with your community? Build a network.
- What issues are you identifying with? Be specific.
- How comfortable are you with public speaking?
- Elections -
- Familiarize yourself with Wisconsin's election laws.
- Be aware of important deadlines and due dates (see below).
- Is there an incumbent for the position you are interested in?
- What are the demographics and voting patterns in your district?
- Campaigning -
- How much money will be needed/how much was used last time?
- Where will your campaign funds come from?
Important Deadlines
- First day for candidates to circulate Nomination Papers - December 1, 2025
- First day for incumbents to file notification of Non-Candidacy - December 26, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
- Last day for candidates to file Declaration of Candidacy, Nomination Papers, Campaign Finance Statement - January 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
- Spring Primary - February 17, 2026
- Spring Election - April 7, 2026
Encouraging Others to Run
Do you know someone interested in running? Here are some strategies to introduce the idea and encourage them to take the next step.
- Choose the right position - what issues are most important and which position will those issues be best addressed by the potential candidate
- Build trust with the potential candidate - one on one interviews, meetings
- Be persistent - plant the idea of running in their head
- Make clear that you believe in them - show your support
- Stress their ability to make a difference - especially if the potential candidate is active in other meetings/committees
- Emphasize their strengths - transferable skills
- Committing to support - helping with paperwork and steps to run
In October, individuals from Eau Claire County interested in running for their local office gathered at the Chippewa Valley Homebuilders Association for the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce's Local Candidate Training Workshop, to learn more about the process of running, receiving tips and general information from former and currently elected officials.
Stay tuned for workshops for future elections!
Click here to see which offices will be on the ballot.
More information:
Publication: How to Run for Elected Office in Wisconsin
Serving in Local Government - hours tracking from Jessica Schoen
Posted by Gigi Galdamez Governmental Affairs Intern
galdamez@eauclairechamber.org