FORWARD OHIO
CAMPAIGN CENTER
72% of Elections In Ohio Are Uncontested
Ohio needs leaders who put people over politics.
Forward Ohio is calling on everyday Ohioans who are ready to serve their communities with integrity, transparency, and collaboration. With 72 percent of local races in Ohio going uncontested, now is the time to step up and make a difference. Whether you are thinking about running for office or already hold a seat, we want YOU to show what Forward leadership looks like—rooted in solutions, not partisanship. If you are ready to lead with your community at heart and help build a stronger, more united Ohio, click the button to take the first step.
ADOPTING A VALUES-BASED PLATFORM
Forward Ohio doesn’t enforce adherence to a particular set of policies. Rather, we believe that candidates and officials should commit themselves to objective and verifiable standards of transparency and accountability, and behave in a way that reflects our core principles and values.
Forward Leaders are those who:
Want to be true public servants, leading in their communities as an act of service
Believe in choice and accountability in our electoral processes, and are willing to fight for reforms that will increase them (e.g., ranked-choice voting, independent redistricting commissions, term limits)
Seek out opposing views and work towards shared ground
Commit to transparency during their time in office, through public disclosures of affiliations, conflicts of interest, and activities that might impact their decision making
Look to regularly engage with their constituents to have conversations about how they can best serve them
We’re ready and willing to cross-endorse candidates from other parties as long as their values are aligned with ours. There are “Forward Democrats” and “Forward Republicans” out there, and we’re pleased to support them and work with them on shared priorities. In states where we have ballot access, we’re also able to have officially registered Forwardists in office and seeking election!
LEARN ABOUT ELECTED OFFICES AND REQUIREMENTS
Curious about the elected positions shaping Ohio’s communities and state?
Explore our lists of local and state offices, from mayors to township trustees, and from state representatives and the governor.
Want to dive deeper? Click the links to check out our quick guides for clear, detailed descriptions of each role and how to run in upcoming elections!
AFFILIATION FAQ
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN YOUR APPLICATIONS?
Unlike the major parties, we’re not looking for what an applicant can do for US, we’re looking for what they can do for their COMMUNITY. We welcome all applicants of all political backgrounds – left, right, center – and experiences, as long as they’re willing to govern according to our principles and values.
In your application, we’re primarily looking for this alignment with our principles and values, demonstrated either through public service or time in the private sphere, by reading about your background, the office that you’re running for or currently hold, and the community that you serve.
Please note you SHOULD NOT share non-public information (campaign plans, projects, activities, needs, etc).
I'M A REGISTERED DEMOCRAT/REPUBLICAN/OTHER. CAN I STILL APPLY FOR ENDORSEMENT OR AFFILIATION WITH FORWARD?
Yes absolutely!
Here at the Forward Ohio, we are interested in supporting good public servants who are driving towards real solutions for their constituents. We believe there are Democrats and Republicans out there who are doing this.
A central belief of the Party is that strict policy litmus tests stifle innovation and prevent compromise that creates real, lasting solutions. We want leaders – left, right, and center – who are committed to working together to address problems in their communities. As long as someone is committed to our principles and values, we welcome them to lead their community under the Forward name.
Forward, Forward Democrat, or Forward Republican – it’s more important to us that you uphold our values than what you label yourself as. Though, in states where we have official recognition, we certainly invite these leaders to officially register as members of the Forward Ohio.
WHO REVIEWS MY APPLICATION?
The Forward Ohio is building this Party from the ground up, and that means empowering state leaders and parties to drive on choosing the candidates who best represent them. Your application will be reviewed by members of the state team, with support from members of the national team. Leaders from other states may be involved, as well, in order to provide their perspective.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT CAN I EXPECT FROM FORWARD?
Public Endorsement and Support: Forward Ohio has publicly endorsed and supported prior leaders, highlighting the aspects of their campaigns and platforms that align best with our values.
Forward Communications Guidance: Forward Ohio has a lot of experience in speaking with voters about our unique approach and mission. We have provided this guidance, on a general level, to leaders who are interested in talking about the Forward Ohio.
Grassroots Community Connections: Connectivity is key to success. Forward Ohio has relationships with reform groups and grasstops leaders across the country. They have enjoyed meeting leaders we have endorsed and supporting their campaigns.
Volunteer Support: Forward Ohio’s members are dedicated and passionate, looking for opportunities to support public servants who are representing their constituents well, and fighting for solutions to our biggest problems. Forward leaders have seen these volunteers phone bank, knock doors, and get out the vote in their campaigns.
Involvement in the FWD Community: Forward has hosted well over a thousand events at the state and national level. We’ve asked Forward leaders to attend these meetings to meet with and speak to our supporters. We’ve also hosted campaign events for Forward leaders, where allowed by local regulations.
National Communications Support: Our national press team regularly reaches out to publications to write stories about Forward’s activities. We’ve frequently connected them with leaders who identify as Forwardists to provide interviews.
Effective Digital Media Channels: Forward leaders of all types have been highlighted on our social media channels, through messages, infographics, and even live discussions.
National Influencer Support: The Forward Party has many nationally prominent members, including co-Chairs Andrew Yang and Governor Christie Todd Whitman. Forward leaders have frequently engaged in public conversations with these individuals, through social media, online events, and other channels.
(Note: The national Forward Party, the Forward State Party, your campaign, and sitting government officials are regulated by government ethics and campaign finance laws, and all support is contingent on whether an analysis of these laws shows that such support is allowable.)
WHAT IF I STILL HAVE SOME QUESTIONS?
If you still have some questions or need to make any changes/additions to your existing application, please send them to PoliticalDirector@ForwardOhio.com