Our Process

We believe in relationships, not transactions. Endorsement isn't a checkbox or a quick yes — it's a conversation about who you are, what you believe, and how you intend to lead. The process below is intentionally thorough. It's how we get to know you, and it's how you decide whether The American Council is the right partner for the road ahead.

Every candidate moves through the same six steps. The pace varies. The substance doesn't.

Endorsement Application

Every candidate begins by completing our endorsement application. It's where you tell us about your race, your convictions, and what's drawing you into public service.

Values Meeting

Our political outreach team meets with you, in person or via Zoom, to discuss alignment. This isn't an interrogation. It's a conversation about character, calling, and the kind of leader you want to be once the campaign is over and the governing begins.

‍This step may not be applicable for every candidate.

Support Decision

After the application and values meeting, the Leadership Fund determines the level of support we can offer and the next steps for partnership. Support varies by race, season, and need.

Leadership Academy

Non-incumbents enroll in a six-session Leadership Academy, a focused training on running a campaign with integrity and governing once you're in office. This class is offered in partnership with The American Council

Support Activated

Once you've moved through the process, our full slate of support mechanisms becomes available to you: financial backing ($250–$5,500), campaign consulting, free marketing assets, volunteer access in your district, and invitations to our networking events. Support scales with the seat and the season.

Milestones

823

We have supported hundreds of local, state, and federal candidates.

4.55m

Our platform has reached over 4 million voters.

81%

The vast majority of candidates we support win.

Updated December 2025.