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Step 1
Start early. Become involved in the community in volunteer, social, religious and political organizations as well as other campaigns. Hone personal skills, such as public-speaking and interpersonal-relationship skills, which are useful when campaigning.
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Step 2
Develop a platform. Determine the issues that are important to the district's voters. Work on a message that not only highlights problems but also solutions to those problems. Be knowledgeable about current events and the political process.
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Step 3
Research state laws for running for legislator. Each state has different laws and requirements; contact the state election official for information on ethics filings and election filings. Follow the law to begin the process of running for office.
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Step 4
Organize a campaign committee. Made up of friends, family and supporters, the campaign committee raises money and identifies other supporters. Most important is the appointment of the campaign treasurer, who collects and reports campaign contributions.
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Step 5
Start a campaign bank account. Campaign contributions must never be commingled with personal funds. Raise campaign contributions according to state law.
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Step 6
Open a campaign office and recruit campaign workers. Volunteers provide countless hours of free campaign work, stuffing envelopes, going door to door and making phone calls. Paid staff coordinates schedules, writes speeches and manages the media. Paid consultants help with fund raising, message development and advertising.
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Step 7
Campaign intensely. Candidates must appear at every possible function and be willing to work long days.
