Why I Chose to Run for Office and What I Learned Along the Way

I still remember the exact moment I decided to run for office. It wasn’t some grand, cinematic epiphany. It was quiet, almost unassuming—but it felt like a spark igniting something deep inside me. I was sitting at a community meeting, listening to parents and neighbors voice concerns that echoed my own. I realized that the changes we all wanted weren’t going to happen unless someone stood up and fought for them. And then it hit me: Why not me?

Running for office wasn’t on my vision board or part of a long-term life plan. But the more I thought about it, the more I couldn’t shake the idea. I’m a single mom, an entrepreneur, and someone who’s faced plenty of uphill battles. If I could navigate those challenges, maybe I could tackle this one too. So, I said yes—to the unknown, to the hard work, and to putting myself out there.

The Decision: Stepping Into the Arena

Deciding to run for office was equal parts exciting and terrifying. I questioned whether I was qualified, whether people would take me seriously, and whether I could balance it all. But then I reminded myself: leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up with authenticity, listening, and being willing to learn. And as someone who grew up with few resources and learned to navigate life’s challenges without a roadmap, I knew I had the resilience to step into this new arena.

I wanted to run because I cared deeply about issues that affected my community. I wanted to be a voice for the people who felt unheard, especially women, working moms, and families struggling to make ends meet. Representation matters, and I wanted to be part of the change I longed to see.

The Journey: What I Learned Along the Way

Running for office taught me more than I ever expected. It wasn’t just about policies and campaigns; it was about personal growth and connecting with people on a level I’d never experienced before. Here are some of the biggest lessons I learned:

Vulnerability is a Strength
Putting yourself out there is hard. Sharing your story, your beliefs, and your dreams—all while knowing people will criticize and scrutinize you—can feel overwhelming. But I learned that vulnerability is what connects us. When I spoke from the heart, people listened. They saw themselves in my story, and that connection was more powerful than any perfectly rehearsed speech.

It’s Not About Knowing Everything
At first, I felt like I needed to have all the answers. But the truth is, leadership isn’t about being a walking encyclopedia. It’s about asking the right questions, surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people, and being willing to learn. Admitting what I didn’t know and seeking advice only made me stronger.

Community is Everything
I couldn’t have done this alone. From volunteers who knocked on doors to friends who encouraged me on the tough days, my community was my backbone. They reminded me why I started this journey and kept me grounded when things felt overwhelming. Running for office isn’t just about one person; it’s about rallying together for a shared purpose.

Resilience is Built, Not Born
There were moments when I wanted to quit. Moments when the criticism stung or the workload felt impossible. But every time I got back up, I felt stronger. Running for office showed me that resilience isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build by showing up, even when it’s hard.

Representation Matters More Than You Realize
One of the most humbling experiences was hearing from women and young girls who told me that my candidacy inspired them. Seeing someone who looked like them, who shared their struggles and dreams, gave them hope. That reminder—that just being in the arena makes a difference—was one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

The Outcome: Win or Lose, It’s Worth It

Spoiler alert: I didn’t win the election. But in so many ways, I still felt victorious. I grew as a person, built meaningful connections, and proved to myself that I could take on challenges far outside my comfort zone. Most importantly, I sparked conversations and shone a light on issues that matter. That’s a win in my book.

Final Thoughts

Running for office was one of the hardest, most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It stretched me in ways I didn’t know I could be stretched and taught me lessons I’ll carry for the rest of my life. If you’ve ever considered stepping into leadership, my advice is this: Do it. You don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers. You just need to care, to show up, and to believe that your voice matters—because it does.