By Susan Labandibar and Martha Merson
When Jimmy Tingle decided to run for lieutenant governor in Massachusetts, he went to the courthouse and filed papers. A good first step, but what next? Tingle had catchy three-word sound bites: feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, heal the sick. To those he added an even more compelling phrase for Boston-area voters: Fix the T!
Jimmy Tingle tells it better and you can watch on YouTube.
But he had no website, no bank account, no campaign manager. Nothing. So when calls and offers of donations came in, Tingle was caught off guard.
Tingle’s story is a familiar one for Kelly Dietrich, head of The National Democratic Training Committee (NDTC). Dietrich founded the NDTC in 2016 after realizing that no one was training Democrats at large. Because true political power is built over time, requiring infrastructure, strategy, and long-term investment in people, NDTC’s mission is both broad and deep — to provide free training for any Democrat who wants to run for office, work on a campaign, or lead in their local community.
At a time when 71% of GOP elected officials run uncontested, running as a Democrat can be an act of resistance. Against all odds, the goal is to ensure that Democratic values remain visible and competitive even in deep-red districts. Over the past eight years, more than 120,000 Democrats have used NDTC resources. And some 400 have actually WON their state legislative campaigns! Looking ahead, there are over 22,000 school board races and more than 100,000 races in 2025 alone. With NDTC’s assistance, Democratic candidates can build name recognition and strengthen the party’s identity across communities where red bubbles are rarely broken.
Running on a Shoestring
Most local campaigns operate on incredibly small budgets. NDTC designs its training programs for campaigns with budgets of $10,000, although the average campaign budget hovers at $2,500. With limited funds, NDTC focuses on teaching fundamentals, such as crafting a strong message, organizing volunteers, and making direct requests for support.
NDTC offers three main types of training:
Virtual Trainings – NDTC conducted more than 220 virtual trainings last year on a wide range of topics. These sessions provided interactive learning opportunities and allowed Democrats from across the country to participate without travel barriers.
On-Demand Website Resources – Self-paced courses and materials are available for candidates, campaign workers, and local leaders to access at any time.
Cohort-Based Learning – A structured approach where participants commit to a series of trainings deepens their understanding over time.
By combining different approaches, NDTC helps participants build lasting networks within the Democratic community.
Challenges
Despite its impact, NDTC faces ongoing challenges in fundraising and visibility. Because it does not endorse candidates, it cannot rely on the same donor networks that typically fund political campaigns. Ninety-five percent of its budget comes from grassroots donations through email and text appeals, which are increasingly ineffective as donor fatigue sets in.
Additionally, many Democratic candidates are simply unaware that free, high-quality training exists. Increasing awareness and expanding outreach will be crucial to ensuring that every Democrat who needs training can access it.
Every District, Every State
The Democratic Party frequently talks about a 50-state strategy, yet true national reach requires more than just contesting races; it demands training and support at every level. NDTC is playing a pivotal role in making that strategy a reality, ensuring that Democrats in every district, city, and county have the tools they need to compete.
Through education, strategy, and empowerment, NDTC is proving that every Democrat, no matter where they are, deserves the opportunity to lead and make a difference.
By lowering barriers to entry, embracing innovative training, and fostering long-term community-building, NDTC is helping to create a stronger, more resilient Democratic movement. In a political landscape where thousands of Republicans run unopposed, training every Democrat is not just an advantage — it’s a necessity.
The Grassroots Connector is a fan of The National Democratic Training Committee. Find Kelly Dietrich on Blue Sky @kellyndtc.bsky.social
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