/r/50501 Mirror

It depends. For local elections, there are many places where people run unopposed, exclusively vote down party lines or reelect the incumbent. These are places where independents and new parties have the chance to dip their toes in. There are areas around me with independents elected. There are several senators and congressmen who have been elected as or switched to independent. While independent is an option, strong ties to the local community, and a cohesive message that justifies peoples anger and fears has potential for local elections within counties and states for small parties

Realistically its about having an organization to set a positive agenda, bring awareness to politicians that have good policies and legislation that would otherwise get swept under the rug, and organize people to get things done.

For example, Brad Lander is running for Mayor in NY, and has a great track record. Yet the rapist Cuomo has gained widespread support simply on name recognition.

AOC is leading polls in being most demonstrative of the party politics for the democrats, above other politicians like biden and kamala, because thats what people want to see. But they only know about her because she is often picked up by the news.

People want to do something but dont know what to do. Opening a local party or organization to target your local elections may be a good idea, even if you dont run a candidate there. Simply boosting an existing democratic or progressive candidate may be enough to tip the scales.