Candidates

Assemblymember Buffy Wicks holds her daughter in the California Assembly Gallery during the legislative session
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks holds her daughter in the California Assembly Gallery during the legislative session
Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Congressman Colin Allred, elected co-presidents of the historic freshman class of the 116th Congress
Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Congressman Colin Allred, elected co-presidents of the historic freshman class of the 116th Congress
Assemblymember Michael Blake running for Public Advocate of New York City
Assemblymember Michael Blake running for Public Advocate of New York City

We’re Running!

“All we need are decent, honest, hard-working people who are accountable and who have America’s best interests at heart. And they’ll step up and they’ll join our government, and they will make things better if they have support." - President Obama

It is thrilling to see so many from this community seek to contribute by running for office, just as Barack Obama did more than 20 years ago. Recognizing that we share a set of values and experiences but not necessarily all of the same views, the Alumni Association sees our role as spreading awareness of alumni candidates, not endorsing them. 

Support or learn about any of the candidates below by clicking on their website. If you are an alum running for office, let us know! Click here to be included on this list.  And make sure to check out our Resources to Run.

Candidate Filters

Acker 

Michigan Jordan Acker 

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Office:

University of Michigan Board of Regents Member

Alumni Experience:

Attorney-advisor to Secretary Janet Napolitano - Department of Homeland Security (2011-2013), Associate in the Presidential Personnel Office - The White House (2010-11)

Amo

Rhode Island Gabe Amo

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Office:

Member of U.S. House of Representatives (RI-1), Won Re-Election in 2024

Alumni Experience:

National Political Coordinator (Obama for America - 2012), White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs

Barnacle

Ohio Patrick Barnacle

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Office:

Ohio General Assembly

Alumni Experience:

Pennsylvania Field Organizer - Obama for America (2012)

Bruckman

Illinois Barisa Bruckman

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Office:

City Councilmember - Highland Park, IL, Running for Re-Election

General Election Date:

04/01/2025

Alumni Experience:

Staff Assistant, Office of U.S. Senator Obama (2007) Intern Coordinator, Scheduling, Office of U.S. Senator Obama (2008) Operations Staff Assistant, White House Office of Presidential Personnel (2009-2010) Special Assistant, U.S. General Services Administration (2010-2011) HR Coordinator, Obama for America (2011-2013) HR Consultant, Organizing for Action (2014) Special Assistant, U.S. General Services Administration (2014-2017)

Chitlik

North Carolina Sophia Chitlik

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Office:

Member of North Carolina State Senate, Newly Elected in 2024

Alumni Experience:

Field Organizer, VA Obama for America (2008), PIC, Organizing For America Intern (2009), White House Associate (2011), US Department of Labor Confidential Special Assistant (2011)

Cho

Washington Sam Cho

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Office:

Port Commissioner of Seattle, Washington

Alumni Experience:

Special Assistant to the Deputy Administrator - US General Services Administration (2015)