Taking the Lead

LEAD PA’s Taking the Lead program is a rigorous, comprehensive, cohort-based training for those considering running for local/county office or the state legislature. These trainings cover the fundamentals of running for office. With insights from campaign professionals and as well as both current and former elected officials, graduates leave these trainings with all of the necessary tools needed to mount a successful campaign.

Read details below prior to applying. Applications are due 4:00 PM EST the Wednesday preceding each Cohort.

2025 Applications OPEN

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2025 Applications OPEN ★

2025 Trainings

  • The  2025 campaign season is right around the corner. Whether you’re committed to running for office next year or just exploring the idea, we encourage you to apply to our upcoming training.

    LEAD PA will be hosting a series of trainings for prospective candidates interested in running for a seat in their local, municipal, or county government. It is our goal to make these trainings as accessible and affordable as possible; so we are going to be offering the trainings virtually and you can participate wherever you are.

  • The trainings will cover a variety of the topics and skills you’ll need to make your campaign a success and will feature experts in each of those subjects. Running a campaign can feel like an insurmountable undertaking, but this series of courses will break it down in a way that’s easy to digest and you’ll complete the weekend feeling ready to announce your candidacy, call donors, write a field plan, and win an election. 


    DATES

    • Cohort 1: Friday January 31st through Sunday February 2nd

      • Application DUE: January 29th at 4:00 PM EST

    • Cohort 2: Friday March 7th through Sunday March 9th

      • Application DUE: March 5th at 4:00 PM EST


    OFFICE-SPECIFIC TRAININGS

  • Because the services of the facilitators that you receive in this training may be considered an in-kind contribution to an electoral campaign, LEAD PA must assess a nominal registration fee. 

    Our fee of $130 is roughly equivalent to $10 per hour of the Training Intensive.  Participants will receive an invoice prior to the start of the training.

    This registration fee is an eligible campaign expense.  Please consult your campaign treasurer for instructions and reporting requirements to submit the registration fee through your Political Action Committee (PAC).

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    At the conclusion of the training program, you will receive a certificate, indicating that you have completed all modules for Taking the Lead.

  • Send an email to training@leadpa.org with "TTL Municipal 2025" in the subject line.