A Guide to Running for Office
Even During a Pandemic
Kurt Thigpen’s debut book will guide you through how to campaign and how he won his election, despite multiple adversities, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also available on other major platforms.
About The Book
Kurt Thigpen dreamed of being elected to serve his community before he turned 30. Then a global pandemic happened.
How to Win an Election: An Essential Guide to Campaigning During Adversity flips the script on how to campaign in one of the most uncertain times in recent history. Thigpen’s methods are new, evolved out of necessity, and effective. Kurt Thigpen implemented this simple guide and went on to win his race in a landslide, with 53% of the vote in 2020. At the end of the book, you will get an insider look into the disturbing events that led to Thigpen’s resignation from his position after death threats, and risks to his health. This raw, realistic look at the potential consequences of a successful political campaign, provide a balanced perspective.
This guide covers the thrill of winning, the challenges of campaigning during a pandemic, and offers hope to those that wish to win their political race, no matter what adversities they will face.
What’s inside
Chapter 1
Finding Your “Why” for Running
Chapter 4
How to Get Your Name Out There (Safely)
Chapter 7
Winning & the Reality of Public Service
Chapter 2
Starting Your
Campaign
Chapter 5
Endorsements
are Crucial
Chapter 8
Preparing for Office &
Becoming a Public Figure
Chapter 3
How to Fundraise Safely & Compassionately
Chapter 6
Helping Your Community
Chapter 9
End of the Road for Me,
But Hope for the Future
Chapter 1
Since I was very young, I remember wanting to be involved in my community; from Boy Scouts, to 4-H club, to student leadership in high school. I enjoyed it, as it gave me purpose and helped me grow as a person. Not to toot my own horn, but I learned I was very good at being a team player, making a compelling argument, and governing in general. I dreamt of maybe one day pursuing a career in public service, but the politics of it all scared me, and I also didn’t think my background would make me “electable”.
I don’t come from family money, am openly gay (member since 2004), and wasn’t born and raised in Nevada (which always felt like a requirement to run for office here with those touting 5th generation status), even though I’ve lived here for over 10 years after moving here from Georgia.
It wasn’t until I saw Mayor Pete Buttigieg (now U.S. Secretary of Transporation) enter the national stage in his run for the presidency, with his husband and two dogs in tow, did I feel it was possible for someone like me to run for office. Regardless of your political leanings, his run was deeply inspiring and historic.
Shortly after, my soon-to-be campaign manager, Adam Cjaikowski, reached out to me about an open seat on the Washoe County School Board after he read some of my local writings about various community concerns related to school safety.
From there, as they say, the rest is history!
A Sample of the Book
To get the whole thing, head over to Amazon and grab your copy.
Also available on other major platforms.
About the author.
Kurt Thigpen is a former Trustee for the Washoe County School Board in Nevada, a writer, CEO of Ace Studios, a social impact marketing agency, and an openly gay mental health advocate, especially after being diagnosed with adult ADHD and PTSD. He was born and raised in rural Hazlehurst, Georgia, and moved to Reno, Nevada in 2011 after graduating from Southeastern Technical College with an Associate’s Degree in Web Design. Since moving to Reno, he has served on multiple non-profit boards, membership associations, mentored young LGBTQ+ people, and given talks around the country about the need for more diversity, equity, and inclusion in advertising and the workforce. Kurt is a firm believer in giving back to one’s community once you’ve become successful in life and works to lift others up any chance he gets. His leadership style stems from a deep sense of empathy towards others after many challenges in his own life. He is married to actor, writer, artist, and comedian Chris Thigpen since 2015 and they live very happily together with their two dogs, Finn and Flo, and their cat Fiona.