In 2019, Kipp Mueller, a workers' and civil rights attorney, entered the race for California State Senate District 21, challenging incumbent and at the time Republican Senate Minority Leader Scott Wilk.

Encompassing northern Los Angeles county and parts of the High Desert, SD 21 had been a Republican stronghold for over a decade but voter registration are trending Democratic. A "dogfight" of a campaign, the race was too close to call on election night November 2020. It was three weeks before the election was called in favor of Wilk, who retained his seat with 50.8% of the vote.

I recently caught up with Kipp Mueller. Having cut his teeth as a 2020 candidate, he continues to practice as a civil rights attorney and was recently elected Region 10 Director of the California Democratic Party.

There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes in grassroots campaigns, especially for a seat in the California Legislature. We discuss what it's really like to run for office and why even the smallest advocacy group should get involved in electoral politics.

Episode breakdown:

2:30 - Every campaign has a tipping point

6:09 - These lessons for candidates are also lessons for advocates

10:02 - How you know a campaign stands a chance

17:44 - The Great Resignation in Sacramento creates Great Opportunity for advocates

19:13 - Why even small advocacy organizations can make an outsized impact on campaigns

Contact Kipp Mueller at kippmuellerca@gmail.com.

Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy - www.kbhadvocacy.com

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