“How Run for Something Makes Campaigns Like mine Possible.”
Special post from Run For Something alum and Pennsylvania State Representative, Jennifer O’Mara.
Growing up, I didn’t consider running for political office to be a part of my plans. After my father’s death, my mom moved me and my two younger brothers to Delaware, where we made ends meet thanks to essential public services, my father’s pension, and my mom’s union job. I worked three jobs to get through college, and relied on financial aid and student loans to cover what I couldn’t. I couldn’t imagine someone like me running a campaign, let alone winning.
In 2017, everything changed. More and more, being engaged in politics seemed not just possible, but necessary, if we were going to protect the same public services that had kept my family afloat and that I had advocated for at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Coupled with the early support of my friends and family, it was Run for Something that bridged the gap between the vision I had to make my community a place where families like mine could succeed, and the day I filed to run for the Pennsylvania State Legislature. I’m so grateful for everything Run for Something has done, and I hope you’ll take a second today to donate to their 2020 recruitment efforts.
Run for Something walked me through the process of getting the signatures I needed and getting my name on the ballot, and even gave me their official endorsement. During my campaign, they answered all of my questions — no matter how small — about how to handle the problems I was facing, and they connected me with other first-time candidates so that we could commiserate on bad days and celebrate on good days.
Without Run for Something, I wouldn’t be able to spend my days helping make life a little easier for the people in my district. I’m so grateful that they gave me a lift up when I needed one, and I’m proud to be one of their 900+ alumni. That’s why I’m asking: If you want to help thousands of young people launch their first campaigns, please make a donation to Run for Something today.
If you’d rather donate your time, why not volunteer to spend an hour or two talking to a potential candidate?
Run for Something is a small organization, but the effects they’re having on our democracy are anything but small. I’m so, so proud to be on their team — and yours.
Jennifer O’Mara
Run for Something alum & Pennsylvania State Representative
