2021 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”). Specifically, this document provides both the timeline and requirements for candidates to receive support and/or an endorsement from ABC4All.  

If two progressive candidates are running in the same race, more than one candidate may receive campaign support from ABC4All following the process detailed below.

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

During the 2021 municipal election cycle, ABC4All’s primary focus will be on supporting the efforts of new candidates.  

Timeline: Round 1

Mid March: Candidate questionnaires distributed to candidates seeking the support to ABC4All

March 31: Completed questionnaires due back to ABC4All from each candidate

Weeks of April 12 -23: Candidate interviews with at least two ABC4All members

Due at the time of the candidate interview: Candidate fundraising update to ABC4All —  in order to secure an endorsement, candidates must independently (and not via self funding) raise a minimum of $1,000

May 3rd: Support decisions made for September primary

Week of May 3rd: Zoom session with all candidates receiving ABC4All support — this session is intended to help connect candidates and offer an ongoing venue to discuss campaign planning and execution.

May/June: If a ward has more than one (1) candidate seeking ABC4All support, ABC4All may host a candidate forum at which the candidates will outline their policy positions and their campaign strategies.

Timeline: Round 2

Mid-May: Candidate questionnaires distributed to candidates seeking the support to ABC4All

Late May: Completed questionnaires due back to ABC4All from each candidate

Weeks of June 20 and 27: Candidate interviews with at least two ABC4All members

Due at the time of the candidate interview: Candidate fundraising update to ABC4All —  in order to secure an endorsement, candidates must independently (and not via self funding) raise a minimum of $1,000

July 1: Support decisions made for September primary

Week of July 12: Zoom session with all candidates receiving ABC4All support — this session is intended to help connect candidates and offer an ongoing venue to discuss campaign planning and execution.

Second half July: If a ward has more than one (1) candidate seeking ABC4All support, ABC4All may host a candidate forum at which the candidates will outline their policy positions and their campaign strategies.