Superstar Spotlight: Gracie Ziegler!

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Hometown: Fayetteville, Arkansas

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Deeper call to political action: November 9th, 2016

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‍When did you become politically active, and why? I've been politically aware and civically engaged for as long as I can remember, but I became actively involved in party work and candidate development on November 9th, 2016 (definitely not an original origin story).

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‍What made you decide to start political consulting? Throughout my (nonpolitical) career, I have developed and led programs to connect big brands with consumers by better understanding their needs and behaviors. I saw the potential to apply parallel marketing principles and data-driven strategies to successful progressive campaigns. Whether in the grocery aisle, on the menu, or at the ballot box - people need to believe in what they’re committing to. It’s all about knowing your audience, crafting strong messages, and delivering them effectively.

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‍How does it feel to be a part of building the bench in Arkansas? There are so many feelings involved. Ups and downs, reward and heartbreak. Right now, it's not just about winning elections—I have to tell myself that over and over again—it's about developing a new generation of leaders equipped to drive significant change.

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‍How do you help empower your candidates to run their best races? I believe authentic storytelling is the base of all strong campaigns. I focus on alignment and the upfront work, ensuring the campaign strategy reflects the candidate's strengths and constituent needs. Empowerment comes when a campaign is well-prepared and equipped with the content, tools, data, and confidence to stay authentic and effective.

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‍What's your biggest win so far? I have been incredibly lucky to meet people who want to organize, coordinate, and lead campaigns. My biggest win is supporting new campaign managers and staffers, helping them get connected and engaged in political work in Arkansas. It’s not just about getting candidates across the finish line—it's about building collaborative, resilient teams equipped with the skills to navigate the challenges of a campaign. Seeing people thrive, grow in confidence, and continue the work beyond a single election cycle is incredibly rewarding. The win comes from helping build a sustainable network of leaders and staffers empowered to drive lasting change, campaign after campaign.

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‍What are you currently reading? The automated captions on TikTok (so I don’t wake up my husband or dog) at 2 in the morning when I don’t sleep. I collect a lot of books, and they are in beautiful stacks in my office … I just never get around to reading them. Thanks for reading about a campaign superstar doing so much hard work to build a better world. We are grateful for you, Gracie!We love to celebrate the people working behind the scenes of political campaigns and advocacy. Know a campaign superstar - a wonderful volunteer, fundraiser, strategist, organizer, or any other role - we should recognize? Email us at hi@goodchange.app.

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