What to Do After Winning or Losing an Election

The end of an election cycle comes with mixed emotions. 

Winners and their supporters are likely excited for a new beginning. For those who lost their bid for office, the post-election period can be a time of reflection, reassessment, and even grief. 

Whatever the outcome of your election, some things need to be taken care of before you can move on to the next phase of your career as a public servant. Our goal is to offer some practical advice for state and local candidates to navigate the aftermath of the election, plan their next move, and stay engaged as civic leaders.

What to Do After Winning an Election

Once the initial excitement of election night wears off, it’s time to breathe and then sit down to take care of important details before you begin your term. 

This transition period is about more than moving into a new office. It’s also about solidifying the relationships that helped get you there and unifying your constituency, whether they supported your candidacy or not.  

Step #1: Thanking Your Constituents

The first step for any winning candidate is to express your gratitude. Public service begins with recognizing the support of the community that elected you. =

Consider hosting a thank-you event or sending personal notes to key supporters and volunteers. A genuine show of appreciation reinforces trust and strengthens relationships with your constituents.

Use social media to share your thanks, emphasizing that you’re committed to serving everyone in your jurisdiction, and not just those who voted for you. Acknowledging the effort and time that your campaign team and volunteers contributed can solidify the sense of unity and purpose moving forward.

Step #2: Reflecting on a Successful Campaign

Winning an election is more than just a personal victory; it’s an opportunity to learn. 

Analyze what strategies worked well in your campaign and what could be improved. This reflection will help inform your approach during your term in office and future political campaigns. Review data from your voter outreach efforts, debate performances, and engagement with local media to understand what resonated most with the public.

This period of reflection also helps reinforce your skills in civic leadership, laying the groundwork for more effective governance.

Step #3: Preparing for the Transition to Public Office

Preparation for public office starts immediately after the election. However, inauguration day — the day you officially take office — is typically set a few weeks to months after election day, depending on your locality. 

At the national level, the day newly elected or reelected candidates are sworn in occurs on different days. For example, the president is inaugurated on January 20 in the new year after the general election. However, the 119th Congress convened for the first time on January 3, 2025.

Inauguration or transition dates for state and local candidates vary widely depending on the laws and procedures specific to each state or locality. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with local government processes, meet with current officials, and start planning your initial policy moves.

Here’s an overview of when these transitions typically occur:

1. Governors: Most U.S. governors are inaugurated in early January following the November election, but the exact date can differ by state. For example, in New York, the governor typically takes office on January 1, while in California, the date might be the first Monday after January 1.

2. State Legislators: In many states, newly elected state senators and representatives are sworn in at the beginning of their legislative session, which often starts in early January. Specific dates are usually set by state constitutions or statutes.

3. County Officials: County-level positions often follow state guidance, but they can also be subject to local rules. Like other local officials, many county officers are inaugurated or sworn in by early January, but some may take office as soon as the election results are certified.

4. Local Government Officials: For local offices, the timeline for inauguration day can vary greatly. In many cities, newly elected officials take office in early January or within a month of the election. Some offices might have their inauguration or swearing-in ceremonies during the next city council or school board meeting.

For specific dates, it’s best to check your state or local election office's website, where they often post information about election timelines, transition periods, and when officials assume office. 

As you wait for inauguration day, you can also start building your public service toolkit. Civic tech is a growing field, with a variety of tools available to help you engage with your constituents more easily and effectively. GoodParty.org Serve empowers elected officials to collect constituent feedback through easy-to-use text surveys, creating a statistically sound picture of your community’s top priorities.

Setting up systems to gather input from constituents, respond in a timely manner, and make data-driven decisions is a crucial part of your transition into office.

What to Do After Losing an Election

The first thing to remember after losing an election is that you’re not alone. 

Not all candidates are going to win. However, many bounce back to realize a successful career as public servants, whether in or outside of politics. 

Take a day or two to shake it off and engage in non-campaign-related activities, spend time with family and friends, and regroup. Then, you’re ready to end your campaign the right way before preparing for whatever the future holds.

Step #1: Thanking Your Supporters

Even if you didn’t win your election, it’s vital to show gratitude to those who supported you throughout the election cycle. 

This should involve more than just a text or email. Your supporters invested their time, resources, and energy into your vision. A sincere thank-you note or post-election gathering can go a long way in maintaining those relationships. Remember, a gracious candidate, win or lose, earns respect and fosters future opportunities.

Your supporters may have chosen you because they believe in the ideas you championed. Let them know that the fight for those causes doesn’t end with the election; it’s just entering a new phase.

Step #2: Reflecting on a Hard-Fought Campaign

Reflection is just as crucial for candidates who don’t secure a win. 

Analyze your campaign with an open mind: What strategies worked well? Where did you face challenges? Reach out to political campaign staff and volunteers for their insights. This honest assessment can offer valuable lessons for future civic engagement, whether or not you plan to run for office again.

Some suggest a formal debriefing period that includes your core campaign staff a week or two after the election. This is not a time for blame, but for honest dialogue and an opportunity to learn.

Take time to review voter turnout, feedback, and campaign metrics. Understanding the data will help you identify any gaps or missteps. Perhaps there were issues with messaging, targeting, or budget allocation. These insights are priceless for anyone considering another run for office or supporting future candidates.

Step #3: Deciding Whether to Run for Office Again

Losing an election is not the end of the road for civic-minded individuals. 

Some of the most impactful leaders in history have faced electoral defeats before achieving success. Take time to decide whether running for office again aligns with your personal and professional goals. If you choose to run again, start planning early. 

The question of, “When is the next election?” should be on your mind as you consider your election timeline. Although it can seem like the political campaign season never ends, elections usually kick off in earnest during the spring before an election. 

The election timeline for various offices is:

• 1-4 years, for mayoral races, depending on city ordinances

• 2-4 years, for city councils

• 2 years, for state and national House seats

• 6 years, for national Senate seats

• 4 years, for presidential elections and state senate seats

That leaves time to forge relationships, build coalitions, and increase name recognition before the next campaign. 

Even if you decide not to run for office again, there are numerous ways to contribute to local government and stay active in your community. Consider volunteering for local boards, engaging in advocacy, or volunteering for other political candidates who share your vision. Civic leadership comes in many forms, and your experience as a candidate is an invaluable asset to any community effort.

Support for Every Stage of Your Campaign Journey

Win or lose, the end of one election marks the beginning of the next phase of public service. 

Whether you’re celebrating a victory or learning from a defeat, resources and support are available to help guide your next steps. The GoodParty.org Community is one online space where you can connect with other Independent candidates and elected officials. You can also join local groups or connect with mentors in your area to deepen your insight and build bridges as you plan for the future.

If you’re a winning candidate preparing for your term, consult with past officeholders to gain wisdom and perspective on the responsibilities you’re about to assume. For those who didn’t win, look for ways to build on the momentum you’ve created. Being involved with your local government through civic committees or advisory roles can continue your journey of civic leadership. 

GoodParty.org Serve is here to empower your transition into office with a free constituent survey, ready to send to 500 community members. Hear from residents, understand your district’s top issues, and become the civic leader your community needs.

Photo by juan rojas