2025 Endorsement Policies and Procedures

TCDW endorsement allows candidates to advertise their campaign events and fundraisers on our Facebook page and website. We will promote endorsements on our media platforms. Once endorsed, candidates may use our name on their media and be eligible to receive financial contributions.

1. Endorsement Committee Composition

  • The committee consists of seven members in good standing, appointed by the chair and confirmed by the executive committee.

  • Terms are two years, starting after the executive committee reorganization.

  • The TCDW Vice Chair chairs the committee, with an elected vice chair.

  • The TCDW Chair is an ex officio member, attending and participating but without a vote.

  • Committee members with conflicts of interest (campaign involvement, family/employment ties, public endorsement) must recuse themselves.

2. Criteria for Endorsement:

  • Candidate declares they endorse TCDW's Democratic values and, for partisan races, has filed as a Democrat.

  • Candidate demonstrates support for issues important to women, including, but not limited to, reproductive health, healthcare access, paid family leave, economic equity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • Candidate completes the TCDW questionnaire and interview. This may be waived for incumbents with a verifiable record on the above issues.

  • Candidate has a viable campaign with a budget appropriate for its needs.

3. Process for Endorsement:

A. Early Endorsement:

The committee may consider early endorsements for incumbents seeking reelection, but these are not guaranteed.

B. Application and Interview:

  • After filing deadlines, candidates receive timelines and options for submitting applications and scheduling interviews.

  • The committee reviews applications, interviews candidates, and recommends endorsement, dual endorsement, denial, or no recommendation. Recommendations for endorsements are at the discretion of the Endorsement Committee.

C. Interviews:

Interviews are conducted in person or virtually, without guests or campaign staff.

D. Membership Vote:

  • Recommendations are presented at a monthly membership meeting after filing.

  • The chair may allow anyone attending to speak for or against endorsement.

  • Only paid members (30 days prior to the meeting) can vote.

  • Voting is electronic for virtual meetings and paper ballot for in-person meetings.

  • Endorsement requires a majority vote of members present.

E. Consideration Without Recommendation:

Candidates not recommended by the committee can be considered upon agreement by two-thirds of members present.

Discussion and Debate on Endorsement Recommendations:

  • The committee posts a questionnaire response summary on the website before the endorsement meeting.

  • The committee chair presents the report to the membership.

  • Recognized individuals can present statements and reports. Only paid members can make motions.

  • Members wishing to speak are recognized by the chair. Motion makers speak first and last on their motion, with a one-minute closing statement.

  • The chair recognizes three speakers for and three against a motion.

  • Speakers have three minutes per item, with a possible two-minute extension granted by a majority vote.

  • All other matters follow the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order.

  • The endorsement chair informs candidates of recommendations and the final vote.