Candidate Cohort

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In 2020, ChangePA established a “Candidate Cohort” as a meeting place for Pennsylvania State House candidates to get together, discuss their individual races, figure out strategy, and talk with each other about the extremely difficult task of running for office.

During the 2020, 2022, and 2024 election cycles, the Candidate Cohort bi-weekly meetings have brought together 10 to 14 candidates, most of whom have been running for office for the first time. They face the challenge of managing a campaign staff, raising money, crafting a campaign message, determining a field plan, and recruiting and training an army of volunteers. The ChangePA Candidate Cohort provides needed mentorship, support, and training – and a confidential space for campaign questions and concerns.

Here are a few thoughts about the Candidate Cohort from our 2024 candidates:

“The ChangePA Candidate Cohort has been an invaluable asset to my campaign, providing essential emotional support, strategic guidance and an incredibly strong network of like-minded individuals dedicated to creating positive change. This group allows for candid, honest and judgment-free discussion, which is crucial for promoting collaboration and encouraging creativity. I have found that the ChangePA Candidate Cohort offers a unique and powerful opportunity for candidates to come together, share their experiences and support one another in a safe setting. By sharing stories, struggles and triumphs with others facing similar challenges, we feel less alone, more understood and better equipped to navigate the rigors of the campaign trail. Without question, I would strongly recommend the ChangePA Candidate Cohort to other candidates.”
-- Bill Petulla, Candidate for State Representative, HD-28

“The ChangePA cohort has given me much needed support and has been there to listen to me and guide me when I felt alone. It has given us a friendly place to vent, learn, improve, and also to foster friendships with our fellow inspiring candidates and learn from experts but also from one another... I am so grateful for this amazing group!"
-- Meriam Sabih, Candidate for State Representative, HD-131

“The ChangePA Candidate Cohort continues to be an invaluable resource for me as a candidate for State Representative in a more-red-than-blue purple district during this high-stakes election cycle. The collective wisdom and insight offered by the leadership team, combined with the shared experiences of my fellow candidates, provides an unmatched level of practical support and energizing inspiration. When I mentioned the distance between houses in the ‘walkable’ turfs in my rural district, the leadership team suggested I use an electric scooter to make my canvassing more efficient. Not only is the scooter saving me time, but voters get a real kick out of how I’m getting from door to door and it is becoming a memorable part of my brand.”
-- Eleanor Breslin, Candidate for State Representative, HD-143
 

ChangePA is the only private group in Pennsylvania that focuses solely on flipping and keeping the Pennsylvania State House Democratic. The Candidate Cohort has been one of our biggest successes. It has given us a mechanism to provide candidates not only money but also real mentorship and support when they most need it: during the heat of their campaigns.