Thinking About Running for Office? Here Are Tips On How to Choose the Right Political Consultant

If you're seriously thinking about running for office—whether it’s school board, city council, or something bigger—one of the smartest moves you can make early on is choosing the right political consultant. This isn’t just someone who designs yard signs or throws together ads. A good consultant becomes your strategist, your coach, and sometimes your reality check. So, how do you know who’s the right fit?

First, you need someone who truly knows your area—your district, your county, your voters. Every locale has its own political personality, and local knowledge goes a long way. For example, in a place like Lee County, Florida, voters in Cape Coral might respond differently than those in Fort Myers or Naples. A consultant with real experience and connections in your region will already understand those differences—and that’s a huge advantage when it comes to tailoring your campaign strategy.

You also want a consultant who has real connections to the community. Not just a Rolodex of donors and power players, but someone who understands what your voters care about because they’ve spent time listening to them. I’ve seen candidates win tough races because their consultant knew how to tap into real concerns—you don’t want to make the race about you; YOU are how things get done. Voters care about what you are going to do to make their lives better. I will speak more to messaging a little later.

Campaigns aren’t won behind a desk or on social media alone. You need people knocking on doors, making calls, showing up at events. A consultant with solid grassroots experience knows how to organize volunteers, build momentum from the ground up, and create genuine buzz. That kind of work may not always make headlines, but it’s often what moves the needle—especially in local or down-ballot races.

That said, media matters, too. Your campaign needs to look and sound sharp—on video, in print, and online. A good consultant will help you shape your message, get it out to the right people, and make sure it’s consistent everywhere from Facebook to the front page. I worked with a candidate who wasn’t well-known at first, but we crafted a clear, compelling traditional and digital campaign that echoed what he was saying in person. That consistency of message, crafted with the voter in mind, is not something that just happens. A professional looking at the whole picture is needed and that kind of alignment builds trust and credibility much faster. You also as the candidate simply do not have time to focus on every minute detail.

Now, back to message development. You probably already have a reason you want to run. But turning that into a message that resonates with voters? That’s where your consultant can really earn their keep. They’ll work with you to clarify what you stand for, frame your campaign in a way people can connect with, and stay focused even when opponents try to distract or derail. A clear, consistent message is what gives your campaign its heartbeat. Not taking this aspect of the campaign seriously can lead your campaign to flatline.

At the end of the day, the right political consultant is someone who understands your community, believes in your vision, and knows how to build a campaign that connects. Don’t just look for someone with fancy credentials—look for someone who listens, gets it, and will be in the trenches with you from day one. Your campaign deserves nothing less.

About the Author: Tim Hennessy spent 25 years in broadcast television and has served as an advertising agency owner, political campaign manager, and grassroots community organizer. He is currently the President of Hennessy Strategies. Founded in 2020, Hennessy Strategies is a full-service branding and advertising agency serving a diverse client base of innovative companies, candidates, elected officials, nonprofits, and entrepreneurial start-ups from Southwest Florida.

Learn more at hennessystrategies.com