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

Tlaib

Michigan Rashida Tlaib

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Office:

Member of Congress (MI-13), Won Re-Election in 2024

Alumni Experience:

Muslim and Arab Community Outreach Coordinator for Michigan - Obama for America (2008)

Underwood

Illinois Lauren Underwood

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Office:

Member of Congress (IL-14), Won Re-Election in 2024

Alumni Experience:

Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2016-2017), Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2014-2016)

Washington

Arkansas Tony Washington

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Office:

Jefferson County, Arkansas Tax Collector

Alumni Experience:

Political Director for Arkansas, Obama for America (2008)

Weiser

Colorado Phil Weiser

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Office:

Attorney General of Colorado

Alumni Experience:

Senior Advisor for Technology & Innovation - The White House (2010-2011), Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division - Department of Justice (2009-2010)

Whitesides

California George Whitesides

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Office:

Member of U.S. House of Representatives (CA-27), Newly Elected in 2024

Alumni Experience:

NASA team member, Presidential Transition Team, 2008 Chief of Staff, NASA, 2009-2010

Wicks

California Buffy Wicks

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Office:

California State Assemblymember, District 15, Won Re-Election in 2024

Alumni Experience:

National Director of Operation Vote - Obama for America (2011-2012), Deputy Director - White House Office of Public Engagement (2009-2010), State Director - Obama for America (2007-2008)