Find Your Program

Or browse by

Browse our programs

Insights: Campaign for Public Office

One graduate shares his expertise.

Chris Rey

Chris Rey

Chris Rey ’07, BS in Business Administration

Chris Rey unseated a 10-year mayoral incumbent and swept the election with a whopping 76% of the vote in Spring Lake, N.C., last fall. The U.S. Virgin Islands native returned to his childhood home after serving as a U.S. Army captain with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, interning with Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, graduating in 2010 from law school at the College of William and Mary, and running his own consulting business, C2Vizion LLC. How did he do it? Follow in his footsteps to craft your own campaign.

START EARLY.

Although I officially kicked off my campaign in February 2011, I was laying down the foundation six months before that. I was up against a longtime incumbent, so I needed to show voters I was serious about this position. By the time we officially announced the campaign, I had name recognition. Starting early gives you an advantage on filing day.

BRAND YOURSELF.

When I consult for entrepreneurs, I always ask them to think about what their brand is. It’s the same process when building a campaign. Campaigning is a lot like building a company, and you’re the product. Ask yourself: What’s your message? Why are you running?

CREATE A STRONG WEB PRESENCE.

Your campaign website and social media presence speak volumes about who you are. A bad website makes me wonder, what kind of person is this? A professionally constructed website that is functional and appealing means people see me as a professional—and also helps secure donations.

MAKE SPECIFIC PLANS THAT RESONATE.

Public safety is a big issue for my community, and there is a lot of generational poverty. People are looking for resources that will improve their circumstances. I didn’t want to go in talking about sewers and streets or speaking in generalities. Two of my key issues are public safety and providing educational opportunities. For example, we are running a summer enrichment program that will get kids off the streets. That translates to less crime and more positive outlets for children. Don’t simply run a campaign; inspire individuals to better their conditions.

Use the www.myWaldenAlumni.com directory to find alumni to support your events and activities.

DOWNLOAD MAGAZINE

Whether looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid, we're here to help.

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Step 1: Contact Information
  • Step 2: Academic Interests

Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member?*

By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, messages created by generative artificial intelligence, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from Walden University (Walden) and its contractors using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at Walden, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 866-492-5336. For telephonic communications, message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. To opt out of communications via text messaging reply STOP or HELP for help or call 866-492-5336. For more information, visit Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.