2026 General Election Application for Endorsement – Sonoma County Democratic Party

Welcome to the Sonoma County Democratic Party’s (SCDP) guide for the endorsement application process for the 2026 General Election! Below, you’ll find all the necessary information to apply for our endorsement and what to expect throughout the process. To receive our endorsement, you must be a registered Democrat. The deadline to apply for an endorsement is August 11th at 11:59 PM for races WITH an incumbent, and August 16th at 11:59 PM for races WITHOUT an incumbent. 

Application Process

To apply for our endorsement, you will need to complete our Endorsement Application form which will be available on July 22, 2026. The application is straightforward and user-friendly. Once you have submitted your application, an interview group coordinator responsible for your office will contact you to schedule an interview. You must officially file for candidacy with the County of Sonoma or your City Clerk before applying for the SCDP endorsement.

Interview Scheduling

Interviews are scheduled for the weekends of August 15th and August 22nd of 2026. We strongly encourage candidates to be available on these dates. Interviews typically last between 30 and 40 minutes and will cover 8 to 10 questions relevant to your candidacy.

Interview Details

The interview will include questions such as why the Sonoma County Democratic Party should endorse you and whether you have read the 2026 California Democratic Party platform. It’s a requirement  to have read the platform as we link to it on our application form. Other questions will focus on subject matters pertinent to the office you are seeking.

Candidates for the same office within a particular agency or city will receive identical questions, though questions may vary across different cities or school boards. The interview group coordinator will generally ask the questions, with possible rotation among group members.

Post-Interview Evaluation

After the interview, the coordinator or another interview group member will complete a standardized evaluation form. No recordings are made, but detailed notes are taken, and these evaluations are kept confidential. The interview group will then discuss the application and, by majority vote, make a recommendation to the central committee. Recommendations typically lead to an endorsement, no endorsement, or in rare cases, a statement of opposition or no recommendation.

Central Committee Endorsement

The central committee considers the recommendation of the interview group, requiring a two-thirds vote for the endorsement to be official. We typically endorse between 20 and 30 candidates each election cycle.

Importance of the Application

The quality of your application is crucial. We recommend taking the time to thoughtfully and concisely articulate your views and unique strengths. Practicing answers to potential questions can be beneficial.

Connecting with the Party

The party is committed to supporting individuals aligned with Democratic values and encourages potential candidates to apply for our endorsement. This process fosters connections between candidates and party members, often leading to lasting relationships and support networks.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding the endorsement process, please contact Endorsements Chair, Monica Barragan, at:

• Email: endorsements@sonomademocrats.org

We appreciate your commitment to local democratic governance and look forward to your application.

Click here to apply