Thread by @jasonxsigmon, Many people on Twitter think they can do better than Congress, but [...]

Many people on Twitter think they can do better than Congress, but very few decide to run.

If you are thinking about running, you should.

Here's what I learned as an Independent, and I hope it at least gives you a headstart on me.

I became interested in running after hearing Collin Allred speak at his first town hall in 2019 and walking away very unimpressed. I thought I could beat him, despite no understanding of campaigning, fundraising, or political networking.

If that's you, start with connecting in your community.

You need to find out who will connect you and then who is going to fund you.

I ran into issues getting my website up, which caused me to launch my campaign pubically right before Covid hit. That was too late.

Start campaigning now.

Use Carrd, Squarespace, or a similar tool to get up a simple website set up.

Make it fast; don't make it perfect.

You'll need money

To win a contestable house seat, you may need $5-10 million.

That's hard to reach with $10-20 donations; so, you'll need to get creative.

If you don't have those funds, focus on learning for a cycle, and don't go into debt trying to win an election.

When Covid hit, everything shifted online, and I didn't have the resources to compete, or so I thought.

I should have continued to network and better set myself up for the future.

Learn from @creation247

Create a brand, then create content around that brand

Ideas are less important than you think.

Many people's top concern is "I don't know, or I don't care."

I agree with @RobAnderson2018's sentiment that most people don't care about politics because politicians have lied and stolen from them for generations.

Most political events exist only to address issues that affect donors, not regular folks.

As voters, please get involved beyond retweets and donations solely because of a letter after a candidate's name.

If you wonder why your candidates are so bad. In the words of Boss Tweed, "I don't care who does the electing, so long as I get to do the nominating.".

We have a system designed to protect those in power.

We all must work together to change that.

I am proud of a team of three getting the 500 signatures we needed to get on the ballot. It was hot, we had no ideas at the start, but we managed to get it done.

I wish more public-facing opportunities existed for an Independent candidate. Still, I am thankful for DFW Urban League, Park Cities People, and Dallas League of Women voters for giving me a chance to share my views.

Here's a small sampling of people that I see changing the status quo
FL: @AC4Congress2020 | @Thripp2020
GA: @_BarringtonII
LA: @RobAnderson2018
SC: @laurenjhharper
TN: @robbystarbuck | @BlairWalsingham

As a Dem, Rep, or Independent, you may not agree with all of them, but hopefully, you can agree that the system needs to improve as an American.

Finally some shoutouts.

@f3_dallas for their constant support and check-ins throughout a complicated process.

People's Last Stand for hosting our kick-off event

Bryson for the excellent launch video.

Everyone who donated and texted me their support.

Last but not least @J_Frick3 for showing me the tough love I needed and working to connect me with so many great people.

Truly, thank you.

Most of these retrospectives are doom and gloom but if you made it this far let's end on some highlights.

Best Milkshake: OMG Icecream in Wylie

Best BBQ: Instrisic BBQ in Garland

Best Parks for People Watching: Griggs Park and Cottonwood Park

Simplest Policy Idea: Expand Griggs Park Basketball court to fullcourt and dedicate it to the memory of the African American Dallas residents whose graves the city blew up to build 75

Please keep in touch and have a great Holiday season.

1st

Timo

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