Candidates



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.

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)

Alabama Shomari Figures
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Member of U.S. House of Representatives (AL-02), Newly Elected in 2024 and Running for Re-Election in 2026
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)

Massachusetts Christopher Flanagan
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Massachusetts State Representative
General Election Date:
11/03/2026
Alumni Experience:
Special Assistant to Secretary John Kerry - U.S. Department of State (2013-2017)

Maryland Andrew Friedson
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Running for Montgomery County Executive
General Election Date:
11/03/2026
Alumni Experience:
Field Organizer in Pennsylvania - Obama for America (2008)

Texas Jose Garza
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Travis County, Texas, District Attorney, Won Re-Election in 2024
Alumni Experience:
Senior Policy Advisor-- Department of Labor (2013 - 2016)

Pennsylvania Paige Gebhardt Cognetti
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Running for U.S. House of Representatives (PA-08)
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)