Frequently Asked Questions
What does Square One do?
Square One provides high-impact, hands-on support to Democratic candidates running for the US House and Senate across the country. Square One looks for districts and states long overlooked by the Democratic establishment, identifies compelling and diverse candidates — focusing exclusively on women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community — and creates the infrastructure needed for them to run and win, ushering in a new generation of political leadership.
How does Square One actually do this?
Square One is with our candidates from day one, providing the connections, resources, and on-the-ground support to launch, run, and win their campaigns — against all the odds. From hiring campaign staff, to brokering endorsements, to mapping out field plans, Square One is with our candidates every step of the way.
How is Square One funded?
Square One is a non-profit and 100% donor-funded. We don’t charge our candidates a cent (except when required by FEC regulations) and we don’t take a cent from Wall Street or special interests. Unlike a traditional for-profit consultancy, Square One has no financial incentive when working with candidates — our only bottom line is ensuring our candidates win. Support Square One with a donation.
Why does Square One focus on diverse candidates?
For far too long, women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community have been underestimated and excluded from the halls of power. Square One is working to change that. By recruiting diverse candidates and providing them with the necessary tools to run for office, Square One is creating a government that truly represents the people it serves.
HOW was Square One founded?
The 2016 presidential election had a profound impact across the country, leaving many to wonder what they could do to make a difference during the years ahead. As Square One founders Miti, Will, and Brian were speaking to their friends and colleagues after the election, they began to wonder why those around them — nurses, journalists, veterans, entrepreneurs, activists — rarely considered running for office. After asking and getting the same responses over and over — no connections, no resources, no idea how to run a campaign — they learned there are common barriers to entry that stop otherwise qualified people from running. Thus, Square One was born.
How many candidates has Square One worked with to date?
In 2018, Square One supported 8 Congressional candidates, flipped 3 seats from red to blue, and shifted districts to the left an average of 16 points. In 2020, we endorsed 10 candidates — five of whom won their elections. In 2022, we supported 12 campaigns — including, for the first time, two Senate campaigns. Five of our candidates won their races last cycle, and another four came within a few percentage points, surprising the pundits, and paving the way for a win the next time around. We plan to support up to 24 candidates in 2024.
HOW CAN SQUARE ONE SUPPORT MY CAMPAIGN?
As a first step, please check out our free, comprehensive guide and video series about running for office: The New Campaign Playbook. These resources provide insight and expertise for diverse candidates running up and down the ballot.
If you’re running for the US House or Senate (or are considering doing so) and feel that Square One might be a good fit to support your campaign, please complete our candidate endorsement application and a member of our team will reach out to you.
We endorse candidates at every stage of the campaign cycle (pre-launch, pre-primary, post-primary, and incumbent candidates) on a rolling basis.
What are Square One’s long-term goals?
Square One is ushering in a new generation of Democratic leadership that can transform our party, our government, and our country. We are sending inspiring leaders to Washington who will take consequential action on issues like climate change, gun violence, reproductive rights, and democracy reform. And we are building a Congress that reflects and serves all of us, including those whose voices have long been silenced.
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