Endorsement Process 2025

Apply For campaign Services

Candidate Application Process for Campaign Services:
Endorsement process
1) Candidate submits questionnaire
2) Is interviewed by campaign Services
3) Campaign Services Committee votes on who to recommend to the body
4) Present recommendation(s) at May 29th meeting subsequent to interview & Campaign Services Committee vote
5) Notification communication to campaign + Blast mention
6) Chair and Treasurer facilitate contribution(s) to campaign, if applicable

Candidate is now eligible for Campaign Services and will have access to campaign services until the endorsement process has finished. 

The Thurston County Democrats (TCD) may offer endorsements in races where candidates meet specific eligibility criteria, including alignment with Democratic Party values and a commitment to the TCD Code of Fair Campaign Practices. In races with multiple Democratic candidates, endorsements are typically not made until after the primary, although they may occur before the primary when no Democratic challengers exist. Candidates seeking endorsement must first apply for and receive Campaign Services, which involves an interview and approval process through the Campaign Services Committee (CSC) and a vote of the TCD membership. Endorsement motions are decided by a simple majority of voting members, with opportunities for rebuttal and Q&A.

Once a candidate is endorsed, they may receive financial support and promotional services, and only endorsed candidates will continue receiving campaign services after an endorsement is made. If an endorsed candidate is eliminated in the primary, the membership may reconsider endorsements for any remaining Democrats in the race. Candidates may only be submitted for endorsements once per year.

Campaign Endorsement TimelinePre-Filing Week (Now – May 4th)

• Information Gathering: Track candidates who have announced their intent to run.
• Event Sharing Policy: Share non-partisan candidate events for voter awareness without implying endorsement.
• Community Engagement: Host forums, debates, or town halls for all candidates to ensure fairness.

Filing Week (May 5 – May 9th)

• Final Candidate List: Confirm who has officially filed to run.
• Outreach to Candidates: Inform candidates about the endorsement process and deadlines.
• Educate Membership: Provide members with details on how endorsement decisions will be made.

Post-Filing Week – Endorsement Decision Period (May 14 – May 28)

• Candidate Vetting: Gather questionnaires, conduct interviews (May 21st), and review policy positions.
• Membership Input: Host discussions, conduct internal polling, or hold meetings to gauge support.
• Public Forums: If applicable, organize post-filing candidate events to further engage the community.

Endorsement Announcement (May 29th)

• Official Endorsements: Announce publicly with a special endorsement blast, which candidates the Thurston County Democrats supports.

Mobilization: Begin active campaigning, fundraising, and volunteer efforts for endorsed candidates.