How to Win an Election: An Essential Guide to Campaigning During Adversity

By Kurt Thigpen

Kurt Thigpen dreamed of being elected to serve his community before he turned 30. Then a global pandemic happened.

The world of politics is as divisive and challenging as it has ever been. When a global pandemic wreaks havoc on the United States, it seems impossible to campaign, let alone win, in such a volatile political climate. But Kurt Thigpen refused to give up.

How to Win an Election: An Essential Guide to Campaigning During Adversity flips the script on how to campaign in one of the most uncertain times in recent history. Thigpen's methods are new, evolved out of necessity, and effective. Kurt Thigpen implemented this simple guide and went on to win his race in a landslide, with 53% of the vote, as the first openly gay school board Trustee on record in Nevada, in 2020.

In this essential guide, you will learn:
Chapter 1: Finding Your "Why" for Running
Chapter 2: Starting Your Campaign
Chapter 3: How to Fundraise Safely & Compassionately
Chapter 4: How to Get Your Name Out There (Safely)
Chapter 5: Endorsements are Crucial
Chapter 6: Helping Your Community
Chapter 7: Winning & the Reality of Public Service
Chapter 8: Preparing for Office & Becoming a Public Figure
Chapter 9: End of the Road for Me, But Hope for the Future

At the end of the book, you will get an insider look into the disturbing events that led to Thigpen's resignation from his position after death threats, and risks to his health. This raw, realistic look at the potential consequences of a successful political campaign, provide a balanced perspective.

This guide covers the thrill of winning, the challenges of campaigning during a pandemic, and offers hope to those that wish to win their political race, no matter what adversities they will face.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kurt Thigpen
• Release date: Feb 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201845117

Book preview

How to Win an Election

An Essential Guide to Campaigning During Adversity

By Kurt Thigpen

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

- Theodore Roosevelt

Copyright © 2022 by Kurt Thigpen. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author is not engaged in rendering legal, investment, accounting or other professional services. While the author has used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials.

The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional when appropriate. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, personal, or other damages.

How to Win an Election

An Essential Guide to Campaigning During Adversity

By Kurt Thigpen

Cover design by Martin Rodriguez

Edited by Cameya Martin

Printed in the United States of America

Dedication

I’d like to thank my former campaign manager, Adam Czajkowski of Tallac Strategies, for encouraging me, guiding me, pushing me outside of my comfort zone, and helping me realize a dream I never thought possible.

To my best friend, and PR badass, Rachel Gattuso of the Gattuso Coalition, thank you for helping to ensure I always stayed calm, prepared, poised, and ready to go for any speech or media interview.

And to my husband, Chris Thigpen, thank you for believing in me and supporting me through the campaign, and for helping me through everything that happened after. You are my rock and I couldn’t have started this journey without you.

Before We Go On, Here’s My Story

Since I was very young, I remember wanting to be involved in my community; from Boy Scouts, to 4-H

club, to student leadership in high school. I enjoyed it, as it gave me purpose and helped me grow as a person. Not to toot my own horn, but I learned I was very good at being a team player, making a compelling argument, and governing in general. I dreamt of maybe one day pursuing a career in public service, but the politics of it all