For candidates – A Better Cleveland for All

2025 Municipal Election:
Candidate Endorsement and Support Overview

Below, you’ll find detailed expectations and key dates for candidates seeking the support of A Better Cleveland for All (“ABC4All”). This document provides both the timeline and requirements for candidates to receive support and/or an endorsement from ABC4All.

For wards with a crowded field of candidates seeking ABC4All support, ABC4All will host a candidate forum.

During the 2025 municipal election cycle, ABC4All’s primary focus will be on supporting the efforts of new candidates.

Timeline

Mid February

Candidate questionnaires distributed to candidates who are seeking support from ABC4All.

ABC4all will review applications as they are submitted and will begin inviting candidates for interviews beginning the week of March 1. Before the interview, the candidate must have a campaign treasurer and establish a bank account. They will have independently raised a minimum of $1000 (not including self-funding) before the time of the candidate interview.

Mid March

ABC4all will begin distributing early money to supported candidates. This money is intended to help the candidates get basic infrastructure in place – VAN access, build a website and get design support (logo and other collateral), etc. In other words, basic campaign building blocks

March to Mid-May

ABC4all will assist candidates in making connections with key community leaders and organizations. We will help with endorsement questionnaires based on subject matter expertise and with campaign design and planning. ABC4all will assign a point person from the Steering Committee to check in regularly with each candidate to see how things are going and what additional ways we can support the campaigns on a volunteer non-monetary basis.

Early May

An in person meeting will be held with all the supported candidates and the steering committee members so the candidates can get to know each other and ABC4all. At the meeting we will share thoughts and ideas about the respective campaigns.

Mid July through August: Field Campaign

Assistance with recruiting volunteers for the field campaign.

September 9

Non-partisan Primary Election

September 12

Additional funds will be distributed to supported general election candidates for mailings and other types of needs. ABC will recruit volunteers to assist with mailings and phone banking.

October: Field Work

ABC4all will again plan to assist each campaign with one canvass before the general election.

November 4

General Election Day

2025 Municipal Election: Candidate Endorsement and Support Overview