The California Campaign Playbook

The California Campaign Playbook

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ABOUT | The California Campaign Playbook

Introduction to AI for Campaigns – Brent Lowder

AI is quickly becoming part of everyday campaign work, but many teams are still figuring out what tools actually matter and how to use them effectively. This session breaks down the current landscape, walking through the tools available and how they function in a campaign setting. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of where AI fits, how it can save time, and how to start using it in a way that is practical and immediately useful.

Coral 1/2

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

The Making of a Strong Candidate - David Reade

What separates strong candidates from the rest isn’t just messaging or resources, it’s how they show up, what they prioritize, and how they handle the demands of a campaign. Drawing on lessons from veteran strategist David Reade, this session focuses on the qualities candidates need to develop, the habits that lead to success, and the common mistakes that hold campaigns back. Attendees will walk away with a clearer sense of what to focus on, what to avoid, and how to operate more effectively as a candidate.

Coral 3/4

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Ballot Harvesting – Eric Dutra

Ballot harvesting remains a reality in California elections, and campaigns that ignore it put themselves at a disadvantage. This session focuses on how to operate within the law while building a ballot harvesting effort that is organized, scalable, and effective. Attendees will learn how to ensure their supporters return ballots early, how to handle the process responsibly, and how to integrate ballot harvesting into a broader voter contact strategy without cutting corners or taking unnecessary risks.

Coral 1/2

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Coalitions & Endorsements – David Reade

Winning an election requires building a majority, and no campaign does that alone. This session focuses on how to identify and engage the coalitions and leaders who can help expand your reach and strengthen your campaign. Rather than treating endorsements as a checklist, attendees will learn how to turn relationships into real support, mobilizing networks, activating allies, and building a broader movement that helps carry a campaign across the finish line.

Coral 3/4

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Building a Winning Campaign –

Every successful campaign runs on a clear structure, defined roles, and disciplined use of time. This session walks through the core components that every campaign needs in place, from team structure to day-to-day priorities. Attendees will learn who is responsible for what, where candidates and staff should be spending their time, and how to keep the campaign focused on the activities that actually move votes. The goal is to provide a straightforward framework that helps campaigns stay organized, efficient, and on track to win.

Coral 1/2

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Candidate Ballot Designations & Statement Strategy – Ryan Gardiner

What appears under your name on the ballot can have a real impact on how voters perceive your candidacy. This session focuses on how to make the most of that space, from crafting an effective ballot designation to writing a candidate statement that clearly communicates who you are and why you’re running. Attendees will learn how to use both tools to shape voter perception, tell a compelling story, and make a stronger impression where it counts most.

Coral 3/4

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM