Application for Endorsement – Sonoma County Democratic Party
Welcome to the Sonoma County Democratic Party’s guide for the endorsement application process for this fall’s election. Below, you’ll find all the necessary information to apply for our endorsement and what to expect throughout the process.
Application Process
To apply for our endorsement, please click here for the application. 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.
Interview Scheduling
Interviews are scheduled for August 11th and August 18th this year. We strongly encourage candidates to be available on these dates, although the interview group coordinators may arrange different times based on their availability. 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 Democratic platform. It’s essential 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 generally follows 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.
Interview Group Coordinators
Our experienced interview group coordinators this year include:
- Larry Leonard: Sonoma Valley
- Mickey Carroll: Petaluma
- Robin Thompson: Rohnert Park
- Carol Taylor: West County
- Erin Carlstrom: North County
- Melanie Jones-Carter: Santa Rosa
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 John Kelly at:
- Phone: 707-935-6100
- Email:Â john@sonomademocrats.org
We appreciate your commitment to local democratic governance and look forward to your application.