Candidates
![Assemblymember Buffy Wicks holds her daughter in the California Assembly Gallery during the legislative session](https://www.obamaalumniassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-aspect-ratio-1020x639-485x304-c-default.jpeg)
![Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Congressman Colin Allred, elected co-presidents of the historic freshman class of the 116th Congress](https://www.obamaalumniassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/DtITDVbXgAAOz6S-aspect-ratio-1020x639-485x304-c-default.jpg)
![Assemblymember Michael Blake running for Public Advocate of New York City](https://www.obamaalumniassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BlakeRunning-aspect-ratio-1020x639-485x304-c-default.jpg)
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.
![Duckworth](https://www.obamaalumniassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/TD-headshot-150326-web-size-300x300-150x150-c-default.jpeg)
Illinois Tammy Duckworth
Visit WebsiteOffice:
US Senator for Illinois
Alumni Experience:
Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs - U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (2009-2011)
![Figures](https://www.obamaalumniassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/ninja-forms/7/Figures-Headshot-e1706823728584-150x150-c-default.jpeg)
Alabama Shomari Figures
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Running for Congress (AL-02)
General Election Date:
11/05/2024
Alumni Experience:
White House Liaison and Counselor to A.G. Loretta Lynch, U.S. Department of Justice (2015-2017) Domestic Director of Presidential Personnel, The White House (2014-2015) Field Organizer - Ohio, Obama for America (2012)
![Flanagan](https://www.obamaalumniassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/flanagan-christopher_hs-150x150-c-default.jpg)
Massachusetts Christopher Flanagan
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Dennis, Massachusetts Selectman
Alumni Experience:
Special Assistant to Secretary John Kerry - U.S. Department of State (2013-2017)
![Friedson](https://www.obamaalumniassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/meetandrew_0-150x150-c-default.jpg)
Maryland Andrew Friedson
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Montgomery County, Maryland Councilmember
Alumni Experience:
Field Organizer in Pennsylvania - Obama for America (2008)
![Friend](https://www.obamaalumniassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Friend-150x150-c-default.jpg)
California Zach Friend
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Santa Cruz, California County Second District Supervisor
Alumni Experience:
Press Secretary - Obama for America (2008)
![Garza](https://www.obamaalumniassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/jose-updated-150x150-c-default.jpg)
Texas Jose Garza
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Travis County, Texas, District Attorney, Running for Re-Election
General Election Date:
11/5/2024
Alumni Experience:
Senior Policy Advisor-- Department of Labor (2013 - 2016)