Public Office Profile Suite
Have you ever been curious about what elected offices might be available in your town, region, or state? This page highlights 8 different positions, what they are, the requirements to run, and some helpful skills to have.
If you’d like even more information, like their responsibilities, education and background required, salary, time commitments, and more, get access to full version of the Public Office Profile Suite in the She Should Run Community.
Public Office Profiles
City Councilwoman
A City Council is a legislative body that governs a city, town, municipality, or local government area. They represent the interests of their communities and pass laws related to those interests.
Requirements to Run
To run for City Council, in most states, you will need to be at least 18 or 21 years of age, registered to vote in your community, and be a resident for at least one year. Many City Councils require you to also not have been convicted of treason or felony and lost the right to vote.
“I realized that it’s far easier to replace elected officials than to convince them. Local office provided a space for me to work on the issues that I cared about and could make a direct and immediate impact.”
Rosemary Ketchum, Wheeling City Council
Helpful Skills to Have
City Council Members come from all walks of life and there is no one path to this elected office. However, some general skills that could be helpful to have as a City Council Member include:
- Communication and listening skills
- Ability to be adaptable and flexible
- Time management skills
- Ability to lead and collaborate with others
For more details about the office of City Councilwoman, visit the full Public Office Profile Suite.
State Legislator
Every state across the country has a state legislature. With the exception of Nebraska, which is a unicameral legislature, every state legislature is composed of two chambers: the House of Representatives (also sometimes referred to as the Assembly or House of Delegates) and the Senate. State legislators are either elected or appointed to represent an area or district of the state for a term defined by a state constitution. State legislators are either in office for two or four years.
Requirements to Run
The requirements to run for state legislator vary from state to state but generally, you will need to be at least 18 or 21 years of age, be a permanent resident of the district you are running in for at least a year, and be a registered voter.
“I decided on this office because I believe the ability to make state policy that improves the lives our one state will eventually lead to a shift in policymaking on the federal level.”
Marie Pinkney, Delaware State Senator
Helpful Skills to Have
State Representatives and Senators come from all walks of life and there is no one path to this elected office. However, some general skills that could be helpful to have as a State Legislator include:
- Communication and listening skills
- Ability to collaborate and work with others, especially those of opposing views
- Ability to articulate a vision and action steps to get there
- Ability to organize and prioritize work
For more details about the office of State Legislator, visit the full Public Office Profile Suite.
Mayor
A Mayor is considered the Chief Executive Officer or CEO of a town, city, or municipality. The Mayor is directly elected by the citizens of the community or they may be appointed by the City Council. Mayors are responsible for the general management of the City and for seeing that all laws and ordinances are enforced.
Requirements to Run
In most communities, you are required to be at least 18 or 21 years of age, be a registered voter, and have lived in the community for at least one year. In some cities like Baltimore, Maryland, you may be required to be at least 25 years of age or older.
“The best part is the people – as a public servant knowing that you can effectuate changes that benefit and plan for your communities future. In particular, I love working with youth and those also seeking positivity in change.”
Lily Mei, Mayor of Freemont, CA
Helpful Skills to Have
Mayors come from all walks of life and there is no one path to this elected office. However, some general skills that could be helpful to have as a Mayor include:
- Communication and listening skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Emotional intelligence and resilience
- Ability to lead a team with integrity
For more details about the office of Mayor, visit the full Public Office Profile Suite.
Judge
Judges are appointed or elected officials who preside over courtroom proceedings. Acting as impartial decision-makers, they rule on questions of the law, provide decisions in legal disputes, and facilitate negotiations between parties.
Requirements to Run
In most states to run or be appointed to a Judgeship, you will need to be a resident of the state and district you are representing for a certain amount of time, be of a certain age, usually 30, and be admitted to practice law for a certain amount of time as well. Many states also require you to not be convicted of a felony.
“Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not possible. I am not a political person at all, and I am not ‘well connected’, but I had the passion and the experience to back it up. Now, I am the first elected judge of South Asian descent in my county’s history! It can be done.”
Judge Dimple Malhotra, Travis County, TX
Helpful Skills to Have
Judges come from all walks of life and there is no one path to this elected office. However, some general skills that could be helpful to have as a Judge include:
- Listening and communication skills
- Logic and reasoning skills
- Writing skills
- Mediation skills
For more details about the office of Judge, visit the full Public Office Profile Suite.
School Board Member
School Boards are the governing body of a school district and are responsible for the education of young people in a community. School Board members are either elected or appointed and will advocate for the needs and desires of the district. They meet regularly to discuss and decide on issues that affect the local schools in the community.
Requirements to Run
In most districts, you will need to be a registered voter, resident of the district for at least one year, have at least a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency, not have been convicted of a felony, and not be a current employee of the district and/or be related to a current employee in that district.
“You really get to meet the most amazing people — there are so many individuals within a community who are working tirelessly to make life better for students, parents, and educators, and I am forever inspired and moved by their dedication to our community.”
Jilly Gokalgandhi, Milwaukee School Board
Helpful Skills to Have
School Board members come from all walks of life and there is no one path to this elected office. However, some general skills that could be helpful to have as a School Board member include:
- Communication and listening skills
- Ability to be adaptable and flexible
- Time management skills
- Leadership skills
- Willingness to learn and be curious
For more details about the office of School Board Member, visit the full Public Office Profile Suite.
County Commissioner
A County Commission is a form of local government that operates at the county level and oversees county activities. Some states have no County Commissions and leave the policy-making and administrative duties to the City Council and/or Mayor. County Commissions ensure that the community’s concerns are met and that county operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Requirements to Run
To run for County Commissioner in most states, you must have resided in the county for at least one year and be 21 years of age. Some states require that you not be convicted of any crimes prior to running for the position.
“I’m not sure I feel ‘qualified’ yet, but I know I have been highly effective in this role. Hard work, passion, and persistence are what it takes more than any qualifications.”
Trista MatasCastillo, Ramsey County Commissioner
Helpful Skills to Have
County Commissioners come from all walks of life and there is no one path to this elected office. However, some general skills that could be helpful to have as a County Commissioner include:
- Communication and listening skills
- The ability to multitask
- An understanding of systems
- Personnel management skills
For more details about the office of County Commissioner, visit the full Public Office Profile Suite.
Governor
Governors are the chief executive officers or CEOs of a state. They are the highest-ranking official in a state and they are the point person for all state issues. They are directly elected by the people of a state. Gubernatorial terms are four years in every state, commonwealth, and territory but New Hampshire and Vermont, which have two-year terms.
Requirements to Run
To become a governor of a state, you must meet the minimum age, U.S. residency, and state residency requirements. For example, in Alaska, you must be at least 30 years old, be a registered voter in Alaska, and have been both an American citizen and a resident of Alaska for a minimum of seven years on election day.
“I hope I’ve been able to show other young girls that as long as you work hard and you’re committed to fight for your education, that anything’s possible.”
Susana Martinez, former New Mexico governor
Helpful Skills to Have
Governors come from all walks of life and there is no one path to this elected office. However, some general skills that could be helpful to have as a Governor include:
- Communication and listening skills
- Ability to lead and collaborate with others
- Ability to delegate and build and maintain a team
- Ability to have a vision and execute upon it
For more details about the office of Governor, visit the full Public Office Profile Suite.
U.S Representative
Congress is composed of 535 members: 435 U.S. Representatives and 100 Senators. While each state has two senators, the number of Representatives a state has is determined by the state’s population. Another term for a U.S. Representative is Congressman or Congresswoman and each Congresswoman serves two-year terms. House Leadership includes the Speaker of the House, Majority and Minority Leaders, and Majority and Minority Whips.
Requirements to Run
To be elected, a representative must be at least 25 years old, a United States citizen for at least seven years and an inhabitant of the state he or she represents.
“I was excited and looking for a candidate to support, but as I kept waiting, I thought, ‘What if the person I’m waiting for is me?’”
Xochitl Torres Small, Former U.S. Representative
Helpful Skills to Have
Congresswomen come from all walks of life and there is no one path to this elected office. However, some general skills that could be helpful to have as a Congresswoman include:
- Listening and communication skills
- Relationship building and collaboration skills
- Conflict resolution skills
- Presentation skills
- Management skills
- Ability to lead and influence others
For more details about the office of U.S. Representative, visit the full Public Office Profile Suite.
Now it’s time to dive deeper!
Okay, you got some basic details about the above public offices, but there’s so much more to know! What is the day-to-day like? What types of responsibilities do they hold? How much money do they make? Get all of this info and more in the full version of the Public Office Profile Suite, available to all She Should Run Community members. It’s free and easy to join, so what’s stopping you?
Got a question? Send us an email at [email protected].