Path to Power is a project of the AFL-CIO Political Department to identify, recruit, and elect candidates to run for local government offices. The purpose is to shift the power in local government to favor stronger pro-worker policies and develop a bench of candidates to move into higher office.
Path to Power will work with affiliates, state federations, local labor bodies and close partners to identify union members and progressive, pro-working families candidates who can run winning campaigns in identified races.
Path to Power is a comprehensive program that follows the candidate through all stages from recruitment to governing including:
Identify & Recruit Candidates – Using data analytics, local knowledge and the political landscape to identify races that can be won by progressive pro-working families’ candidates. Local labor leaders and partners will then identify potential candidates to run in those races.
Candidate Training – Path to Power, in partnership with state federations and affiliates on the ground, will train candidates on how to run a campaign, including: campaign messaging, labor issues, campaign planning, fundraising, and voter contact.
Electoral Support – Path to Power will offer continued support to endorsed Path to Power Candidates to assist in their election efforts, as allowed by each state’s election law.
Issues & Accountability – Path to Power Alumni in elected office will have access to continued issue education and policy conferences, giving alumni the resources they need to introduce and pass progressive, pro-working families legislation.
