You don’t need to be a career politician to lead. If you care about things like schools, wages, housing, and inclusivity, Dubuque County needs people like you.
Local offices shape our daily lives in powerful ways — from public schools and parks to housing, public safety, roads, and economic development. The people making those decisions should reflect the communities they serve.
You don’t have to be a politician or activist to be a great candidate!
Folks like teachers, nurses, farmers, union members, small business owners – people from all walks of life – make excellent candidates.
If you’ve ever thought:
“Someone should do something about that…”
…maybe that someone is you.
Tell us what issues you care about and what kind of role you're considering. Whether you're interested in school board, city council, county government, or the state legislature, we'll help you understand the opportunities available.
We'll walk you through the basics — filing requirements, timelines, campaign expectations, and what life as a candidate actually looks like. You'll have the chance to ask questions and hear from people who've done it before.
Maybe you're ready to run this cycle. Maybe you'd like to prepare for a future race. Maybe you'd rather volunteer on a campaign first. Whatever you decide, we'll help you find the path that's right for you.
School boards shape classroom experiences. City councils make decisions about housing and infrastructure. County officials oversee elections, public health, emergency services, and local investments.
These positions may not always make national headlines, but they directly affect our neighborhoods, families, and future.
Strong local leadership starts with people who understand the community because they live in it every day.
The best candidates aren’t always the loudest people in the room. They’re often the people already helping their neighbors, volunteering in the community, or working hard to solve everyday problems. They are good at listening, communicating, and following through.
People trust leaders who genuinely care about improving life for others.
Good leadership starts with listening to and understanding different perspectives.
Community leadership is built through relationships, reliability, and presence.
Strong leaders bring people together and focus on practical solutions.
You don’t need polished political speeches — just honesty, empathy, and clarity.
Our democracy is stronger when leadership includes people from different backgrounds, experiences, and generations.
Not sure which office is the best fit? That’s okay. Many candidates start by exploring a few options before deciding where they can make the biggest difference.
| Role | What They Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| School Board | Elected board members help oversee budgets, policies, curriculum priorities, and district leadership. | These decisions affect students, teachers, families, and the future of public education in our community. |
| City Council | City council members make decisions about housing, public safety, infrastructure, economic development, roads, and city services. | City government shapes the everyday experience of living in Dubuque and surrounding communities. |
| Mayor | Mayors help set the tone and direction for city government, work with city councils, and represent the community. | Strong local leadership can bring people together around shared priorities and practical solutions. |
| County Board of Supervisors | County officials oversee county services, elections, budgets, public health, emergency management, land use, and infrastructure. | County government touches nearly every part of daily life, especially for families, workers, and rural communities. |
| County Auditor | The Auditor helps administer elections, manage county records, and support county budgeting and operations. | Fair, accurate, and accessible elections depend on strong local administration. |
| County Recorder | The Recorder maintains public records, including real estate documents, vital records, and other official filings. | Public records protect families, property, and transparency in local government. |
| County Treasurer | The Treasurer manages county funds, property tax collection, vehicle registration, and other financial duties. | Careful stewardship of public dollars helps keep county services reliable and accountable. |
| County Attorney | The County Attorney represents the county in legal matters and handles criminal prosecutions and other legal responsibilities. | This office plays an important role in public safety, fairness, and the justice system. |
| County Sheriff | The Sheriff oversees law enforcement, jail operations, civil process, and public safety services at the county level. | Leadership in this office affects safety, accountability, and trust across the county. |
| Township Trustee | Township trustees help oversee local services such as fire protection, cemeteries, and township-level responsibilities. | These roles may be less visible, but they help keep essential local services working. |
| Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioner | Commissioners work on conservation, soil health, water quality, and responsible land stewardship. | Clean water, healthy land, and sustainable agriculture matter to Dubuque County’s future. |
| State Legislature | State representatives and senators create laws, pass budgets, and advocate for their communities at the State Capitol. | State policy affects schools, healthcare, wages, reproductive freedom, infrastructure, and more. |
Nope! Many successful local leaders start with little or no campaign experience. What matters most is a willingness to listen, learn, and show up for your community. And don’t worry, the local party is here to guide and support you along the way.
Not necessarily. Local campaigns are often powered by volunteers, neighbors, and grassroots support. Strong relationships matter more than deep pockets. You will need to be ready to do some fundraising for your campaign, but you won’t be expected to do it alone.
You don’t need to know everything before you start. Good leaders ask questions, seek advice, and work collaboratively to solve problems. A willingness to learn is often more important than having all the answers.
Many candidates balance campaigning with careers, families, and other community commitments. Some elected positions are part-time and some are full-time. We’ll help you understand what to expect so you can decide whether it’s a good fit for your life.
That’s okay! Running for office takes courage—but you won’t be doing it alone. Most people feel nervous when they first consider running. The good news is that support, training, and encouragement are available every step of the way.
Many people wait until they feel completely prepared—but most successful candidates start before they feel ready. If you care about your community, are willing to listen and learn, and want to make a difference, you’re already bringing valuable qualities to public service.
Opportunities range from school board and city council to county offices and the Iowa Legislature. We’ll help you understand what positions may be available and which might be the best fit for your interests, experience, and goals.
The time commitment varies by office and campaign. Some local races can be managed alongside work and family responsibilities, while others require a larger investment of time. We’ll help you understand what to expect before you make any decisions.
We can provide guidance on the filing process, campaign planning, messaging, voter outreach, volunteer recruitment, and connecting with experienced candidates and community leaders. Our goal is to help you feel prepared and supported from day one.
That’s completely okay. Not everyone who reaches out ends up becoming a candidate. Some people decide to volunteer, join a committee, support another candidate, or simply learn more about local government. Every path to civic engagement matters.
Running for office can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why the Dubuque County Democrats work to support candidates every step of the way.
Connect with experienced local leaders and former elected officials and candidates.
Learn the basics of messaging, organizing, fundraising, and compliance.
Build a team of neighbors ready to help knock doors, make calls, and spread the word.
Develop a message grounded in your values and community priorities.
Meet local organizations, advocates, and community leaders.
Learn how to use voter data tools and outreach systems effectively.
The people serving our community aren’t celebrities or career politicians. They’re neighbors who stepped up because they care about Dubuque and the people who live here.
{placeholder}
{placeholder}
{placeholder}
{placeholder}
{placeholder}
{placeholder}
{placeholder}
{placeholder}
Running for office starts with one honest conversation. No pressure. No commitment. Just neighbors helping neighbors explore what leadership could look like.
Conversations are confidential. Reaching out does not commit you to running.
