Candidate and Campaign Training

Franklin County needs energetic people to run for office! Libertarian elected officials get to make policy that reduces the scope of government and increases personal liberty.

Why run for office? Local elections are important. They affect the community and can bring about real change. Running for local roles, such as city council or school board, is a great starting point. These positions allow individuals to gain experience and learn about the political process. It is possible to build a path to bigger offices, such as state representative, state senator, or even federal positions, by starting small.

At the training, attendees will learn the basics of running for office. Topics will include the process for getting on the ballot, creating a plan for 1 or 2 year campaigns, reaching out to voters and applying Libertarian principles to public policy. Experienced speakers will share their knowledge and answer questions. It is a chance to connect with others who share a passion for making a difference in the community.

Local offices include city and village council, township trustees, and school board members. With a term or two of local office, you will have the experience and credibility to run a successful campaign for county, state, or federal office, but if you have the qualifications to run for a different office, we won’t turn you down!

Check out what elected offices are open in Franklin County for 2025.

FRANKLIN COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT 
Judge, full term commencing 1-1-2026 ………………………………… Jodi Thomas 
Judge, full term commencing 1-2-2026 ………………………………… Jessica D’Varga
Judge, full term commencing 1-3-2026 …………………………………..James E. Green

CITY OF COLUMBUS
Offices …………………………………………………………………. City Attorney (Klein) 
…………………………………………………………………………….. City Auditor (Kilgore)  
……………………………………………………………………………. Council District 1 (Wyche) 
……………………………………………………………………………. Council District 3 (Dorans) 
…………………………………………………………………………… Council District 4 (Remy) 
…………………………………………………………………………… Council District 7 (Favor) 

BOARD OF EDUCATION – COLUMBUS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board Member  ………………. Three Seats (six to be nominated) (Cole, Reyes, Vera) 

CITY OF HILLIARD
Offices …………………………………………………………………………….. Four Council Seats 

CITY OF REYNOLDSBURG
Offices …………………………………………………………………………….. City Auditor (Cicak) 
…………………………………………………………………………. Three Council-at-Large seats 

CITY OF WHITEHALL
Offices ……………………………………………………………………….. City Auditor (Quincel) 
….. City Council Ward Seats (Ward 1-Dixon, Ward 2-Heck, Ward 3-Smith, Ward 4-Brown)

VILLAGE OF BRICE charter
Offices ……………………………………………………………………………….. Four Council Seats 

Source: https://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/BOEL-website/media/Documents/Candidate-Requirements/2025-Primary-Schedule-and-Candidate-Requirements.pdf

Check out Election and Candidate Resources.

Before starting your campaign, take a quick look at our “Candidate Quick Start Guide” video (27 minutes).

Recommended resources:

Election & Candidate Resources

Candidate Quick Start Guide Video

How to Win a Local Election Paperback
by Lawrence Grey

Politics Is for Power: How to Move Beyond Political Hobbyism, Take Action, and Make Real Change Hardcover
by Eitan Hersh

Guerilla Marketing: Easy and Inexpensive Strategies for Making Big Profits from Your Small Business Paperback
by Jay Conrad Levinson