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.

Michigan Rashida Tlaib
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Member of Congress (MI-13), Running for Re-election
General Election Date:
11/3/2020
Alumni Experience:
Muslim and Arab Community Outreach Coordinator for Michigan - Obama for America (2008)


California Marina Torres
Visit WebsiteOffice:
City Attorney for Los Angeles
General Election Date:
04/20/2022
Alumni Experience:
Counselor to the Director, USCIS (Department of Homeland Security) (2013-2015)

Pennsylvania Joe Torsella
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Pennsylvania Treasurer
General Election Date:
11/3/2020
Alumni Experience:
Ambassador for Management and Reform - United Nations (2011-2014)

Illinois Lauren Underwood
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Member of Congress (IL-14), Running for Re-election
General Election Date:
11/3/2020
Alumni Experience:
Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2016-2017), Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2014-2016)

Arkansas Tony Washington
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Jefferson County, Arkansas Tax Collector
Alumni Experience:
Political Director for Arkansas, Obama for America (2008)

Colorado Phil Weiser
Visit WebsiteOffice:
Attorney General of Colorado
General Election Date:
11/8/2022
Alumni Experience:
Senior Advisor for Technology & Innovation - The White House (2010-2011), Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division - Department of Justice (2009-2010)