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

Flanagan

Massachusetts Christopher Flanagan

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Office:

Dennis, Massachusetts Selectman

Alumni Experience:

Special Assistant to Secretary John Kerry - U.S. Department of State (2013-2017)

Friedson

Maryland Andrew Friedson

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Office:

Montgomery County, Maryland Councilmember

Alumni Experience:

Field Organizer in Pennsylvania - Obama for America (2008)

Friend

California Zach Friend

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Office:

Santa Cruz, California County Second District Supervisor

Alumni Experience:

Press Secretary - Obama for America (2008)

Garza

Texas Jose Garza

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Office:

Travis County, Texas, District Attorney, Won Re-Election in 2024

Alumni Experience:

Senior Policy Advisor-- Department of Labor (2013 - 2016)

Gebhardt Cognetti

Pennsylvania Paige Gebhardt Cognetti

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Office:

Mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Running for Re-Election in 2025

Alumni Experience:

Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for International Affairs - U.S Department of the Treasury (2009-2012), Special Assistant - Presidential Transition Team (2008), Border States Director for Pennsylvania - Obama for America (2008)

Gonez

California Kelly Gonez

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Office:

Los Angeles Unified School Board Member, District 6

Alumni Experience:

Policy Advisor - U.S. Department of Education (2014-2016), Communications and Field Organizer for Nevada - Obama for America (2012), Speechwriting Intern - The White House (2011)