How to Run for Congress

June 16, 2021

13 minute read

Getting Started

Eric Taylor
Chief of Staff

Running for a seat in the U.S. Congress may seem daunting, but members come from various backgrounds. The House is the most accessible branch of the federal legislative system, with all 435 seats up for election every two years. This guide will help you understand how to launch your campaign.

How the House of Representatives Works

Congress refers to the legislative branch, including the Senate and House of Representatives. Members of the House are often called representatives or congressmen/women. We focus here on the House of Representatives.

What is the House of Representatives?

The U.S. House is part of the federal government's legislative branch and writes and passes laws. House members represent specific portions called districts, each electing its own representative.

How many members are in the House of Representatives?

There are 435 members. The number reflects the state's population and may change with each census. Delegates from U.S. territories can also participate in activities but not vote.

What does the House of Representatives do?

Law-making involves the House's leadership, committees, and commissions:

Leadership

As of May 2021, the Democratic Party holds the majority. Each party elects leaders, and the Speaker of the House is elected by all members.

Committees

Twenty standing committees oversee different legislative areas, designing bills and managing programs. Each party fills committee positions based on a selection procedure. Examples include Agriculture, Veteran's Affairs, and Transportation.

How does the above information help me?

Understanding the House helps assess if Congress suits your political ambitions. Knowing which committees align with your background can enhance campaign messaging.

How to Run for Congress: The House of Representatives

How old do you have to be to run for Congress?

You must be at least 25 years old and have been a U.S. resident for 7 years.

When is the next election for the House of Representatives?

Each congressperson serves 2-year terms.

Who is already a representative for my state?

Find your representative in the Directory of Representatives by state or district.

Who am I running against?

Running against an incumbent? Gather intel about competition in primaries to set your budget.

Getting Ready to Fundraise

Fundraising is crucial for any political campaign. Start early, even before hiring a staff.

How much does it cost to run for Congress?

Review campaign finance data to estimate a competitive budget, potentially raising over a million dollars.

How do I create my budget?

Budgeting includes:

  • Campaign staff: Hire a finance director or campaign manager first.
  • Advertising: Budget for digital and print advertising, with costs ramping up before the election.
  • Fundraising events: Keep expenses low to maximize contributions.

What do I need to start fundraising?

Develop a strong campaign strategy and perform donor research.

Donor Research

Compile a list of potential donors by leveraging personal contacts. Make connections and personalize your outreach strategy.

Administrative Tasks

Complete necessary paperwork and form a legally recognized organization complying with campaign finance laws.

Steps include:

  1. Register as a political committee.
  2. Obtain an EIN from the IRS.
  3. Set up a separate campaign bank account.
  4. Organize donor information and contributions using a fundraising CRM.
  5. Establish social media accounts and a campaign website to facilitate fundraising.

Launching Your Political Campaign

How do I access the ballot?

Raise/spend $5,000 to file a statement of candidacy. Each state has additional requirements for candidate registration.

How do I tell people I’m running for the House of Representatives?

Utilize political endorsements, advertising, and direct voter contact through door knocking or phone banks.

After the Campaign

Keep leftover funds for your next campaign or donate them elsewhere. An unsuccessful run doesn’t end your political career; many politicians bounce back stronger.

Off to the Races

You’re ready to begin your campaign! Utilize this guide and linked resources to run for Congress successfully.