Why You Should Run for Office—Even If You Don’t Win

By Jen Nossokoff

Here’s a thought experiment: What if the change you’ve been hoping for in your community isn’t waiting on someone else but on you? What if that cracked sidewalk, that speeding intersection or that empty storefront you pass every day isn’t someone else’s responsibility but a call for you to step up? Running for office might feel like a leap into the unknown, something reserved for “politicians,” not people like us. But here’s the truth: Democracy isn’t built by politicians. It’s built by people. And sometimes, that means you.

Yes, winning matters. No one runs for office just to run. But winning isn’t the only measure of success. Running for office is about more than election night. It’s about elevating issues that matter, amplifying the voices of your neighbors, and reminding people that their concerns are not only heard but shared. When you run, you don’t just seek votes; you shift the conversation. You inspire others to think differently, care more, and believe that change is possible.

And even if you lose – and realistically, plenty of good people do – what you leave behind can ripple through your community in ways you might never fully see. Maybe you sparked a conversation that hadn’t been happening. Maybe you encouraged someone else to take that leap. Maybe you gave your neighbors the sense that someone finally saw them and cared enough to act. That matters.

Running for office isn’t easy. It’s early mornings, late nights, and plenty of moments that make you question your sanity. It’s standing in front of strangers who don’t know you – or worse, think they already do – and convincing them to take you seriously. It’s enduring rejection, exhaustion and an unrelenting schedule that sometimes feels bigger than you are. But it’s also one of the most deeply human experiences you’ll ever have.

When you run, you hear stories you never would have otherwise. A grandmother tells you about struggling to stay in the neighborhood she’s called home for decades. A parent shares how unsafe streets make their commute to school a daily hazard. A small business owner explains how city policies make it harder to keep their doors open. Those conversations stay with you long after the campaign ends.

Here’s the thing about running for office: It will change how you see your community. You’ll walk the same streets but notice new details. You’ll hear about issues you hadn’t considered before. You’ll connect with neighbors in ways that remind you why this all matters in the first place. And whether or not you win, those connections are part of the lasting impact you make.

Democracy thrives on participation, not polish. It doesn’t need perfect candidates with flawless résumés. It needs people who care deeply and are willing to step forward. People who understand that leadership isn’t about ego or expertise – it’s about the willingness to act.

If you’ve ever looked at your neighborhood and thought, “Why hasn’t someone fixed this?”, consider that someone might be you. You don’t have to start by running for office. Attend a community meeting. Volunteer for a campaign. Start a conversation with your neighbors about what matters most to them. These small steps are the foundation of meaningful change.

But if you do feel that spark—if you feel ready to lead—don’t hesitate. Put your name on the ballot. Run to win, not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it. And even if the votes don’t fall your way, you will have made a difference. You will have shown others what’s possible.

Democracy doesn’t just work when we show up to vote. It works when we step forward to lead. So, take the leap. Speak up. Run for something. You might just discover that the act of trying is a win all its own.

Jen Nossokoff is a physician assistant, licensed to practice medicine in California. She was a candidate for Supervisor in District 1 in 2024. Her focus is on community safety, transportation and health equity.