Candidates



We’re Running!
“All we need are decent, honest, hard-working people who are accountable and who have America’s best interests at heart. And they’ll step up and they’ll join our government, and they will make things better if they have support." - President Obama
It is thrilling to see so many from this community seek to contribute by running for office, just as Barack Obama did more than 20 years ago. Recognizing that we share a set of values and experiences but not necessarily all of the same views, the Alumni Association sees our role as spreading awareness of alumni candidates, not endorsing them.
Support or learn about any of the candidates below by clicking on their website. If you are an alum running for office, let us know! Click here to be included on this list. And make sure to check out our Resources to Run.

California Eleni Kounalakis
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Treasurer of California
Alumni Experience:
U.S. Ambassador to Hungary (2010-2013), Member - National Finance Council (2008)

California Jake Levine
Visit WebsiteOffice:
California's 32nd Congressional District
General Election Date:
11/04/2025
Primary Election Date:
06/02/2026
Alumni Experience:
National Advance Staff, Obama for America, 2008; Parade Press Advance, Presidential Inaugural Committee, 2009; Policy Analyst, White House Office of Energy and Climate Change, 2010-2011; GOTV and Press Volunteer, Obama for America, Colorado, North Carolina, 2012

Virginia Alfonso Lopez
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Virginia State Delegate, District 49
Alumni Experience:
White House Liaison - U.S. General Services Administration (2011), Assistant Administrator for Office of Congressional & Legislative Affairs - U.S. Small Business Administration (2010-2011)

Texas Dexter McCoy
Visit WebsiteOffice:
County Commissioner, Fort Bend County
Alumni Experience:
Special Assistant, Office of the Secretary of Education (2015-2017)

California Nick Melvoin
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Los Angeles Unified School Board Member, District 4
Alumni Experience:
Domestic Policy Council Intern (2013) - The White House, Legal Protection Team Member for Columbus, Ohio (2012)

North Carolina Wiley Nickel
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Member of the US House of Representatives (NC-14)
Alumni Experience:
National Advance Staff - The White House (2011-2012), Advance/Events Consultant - Democratic National Committee (2010-2011), National Advance Staff - The White House (2009-2010), Event Manager for Southern Ball & Staff Party - Presidential Inaugural Committee (2008-2009), National Advance Staff - Obama for America (2008)