Beyond Election Night: Keeping the Momentum Alive

Many people think that after an election is over, the campaigning stops. However, this isn’t entirely accurate. While most of a public relations professional’s work on a campaign takes place leading up to election night, the job often continues afterward. Whether your candidate wins or loses, you may find yourself working with them post-election. In this post, I’ll discuss some of the tasks you might handle as a public relations professional in a post-election climate. 

Writing a Concession Speech 

One unfortunate task you may face after the election is helping your candidate write and publish a concession speech. Concession speeches are a common practice in U.S. politics, delivered when a candidate admits defeat, even before every vote is counted. These speeches typically come when the candidate no longer has a viable path to victory. A wonderful example of a concession speech was Kamala Harris’s speech after her loss this past presidential election. If you would like to read the speech in full click here. In concession speeches—or statements—candidates often thank their voters, staff, and donors, while sharing their plans for the future. As a public relations professional, you may assist in writing this speech or statement and ensuring it is disseminated to the media. 

Managing Social Media Accounts 

Another responsibility you may take on after election night is helping your candidate maintain their social media presence, regardless of the election’s outcome. If your candidate wins, this might involve posts about their activities in office and how they are addressing campaign promises. If they lose, it could include updates about their involvement in the community or their ongoing advocacy. In today’s digital age, maintaining a strong online presence is crucial, even for smaller-scale politicians. As a PR professional, your expertise can help ensure your candidate’s brand stays relevant and positive. 

Helping to Plan Next Steps 

Lastly, you can also assist your candidate in planning their next steps. If they lose and plan to run again, this could mean developing strategies to keep their name and image in a positive light between election cycles. If they win, you might help coordinate appearances, although they will likely have additional staff to manage these responsibilities once in office. 

As a public relations professional working on a political campaign, your job doesn’t necessarily end on election night. The length of your involvement depends on your candidate and their plans, but it’s important to recognize that your work may extend beyond a single election cycle. PR professionals provide valuable insights to campaigns, and their contributions often play a key role in shaping a candidate’s future, both during and after the election.