The book · 2017

Run for
Something

A Real-Talk Guide to Fixing the System Yourself

Run for Something book cover — Amanda Litman, published 2017

Fix the system yourself.

When Amanda first wrote this book in 2017, it was the first of its kind — a practical, pep-talk-y guide with the exact steps you need to run for office. It was the book she wanted to give every person who signed up to run with Run for Something.

Now in the second Trump era, it's even more relevant. We need real people to run for local office and become the change they want to see. Forget Congress. Forget the Senate. Focus on the offices that get the real work done: state legislatures, city councils, school boards, mayors.

It doesn't matter if you've never imagined yourself running. This book will walk you through it.

Foreword by Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The new book — When We're in Charge — came out in 2025. It's about what happens after you win.

See When We're in Charge →

Run for Something — the organization — has helped elect 1,650+ candidates since 2017.

Visit runforsomething.net →