What to bring on the campaign trail

Y’ALL KNOW GARY WAS PREPARED 🫡

As seasoned campaign veterans, we've learned to be prepared for anything. While our cars often resemble disaster zones by November, we're always equipped to handle unexpected events, whether it's getting the candidate camera-ready for a last minute interview (after canvassing in a heat wave 😱) to collecting contributions on the go.

What do you need to bring on the campaign trail? Think day-to-night, or morning prayer breakfast to high-stakes debate. Consider putting together a candidate “go bag” and make sure whoever is staffing the candidate that day has it on hand.

Here's a glimpse into what we always have on hand during the campaign season:

Campaign materials:

• Daily campaign schedule

• Contribution forms

• Photo release forms

• Endorsement forms

• Sign-up forms

• Campaign literature

• Signs

• Business cards

• Notebook for followup (and system for followup)

Technology tools

• Phone charger

• Computer charger

• Portable printer (obviously not necessary for all campaigns!)

• Any specific devices needed for media interviews

Clothing

• Comfortable shoes and clothing for canvassing and other informal events

• A set of professional clothing suitable for both formal events like debates and spontaneous media appearances

Water and Snacks (no one likes a cranky candidate)

Office supplies

• Pens pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, etc

Bag with toiletries (seriously, this one will save your ass!)

• Face wipes

• Eye drops

• Tide pen or something similar

• Wrinkle spray

• Toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste

• Gum, mints, or anything to make your breath smell better if you can’t brush

• Makeup (if you wear makeup)

• Sunglasses, glasses, extra contacts

• Hair products

• Nail kit

• Extra panty hose (if you wear them!)

• Painkillers and tums

• Feminine products

• Sewing kit

• First aid kit

Miscellaneous

• Cash (for emergencies or small purchases)