Endorsement Process

It shall be the policy of the California Black Women’s Democratic Club Political Committee, hereafter referred to as BWDC-PC, to endorse registered Democratic candidates for elective office who seek to enhance the growth of the Democratic Party, to develop Party leadership, to promote harmony among Party members, and to advance the principles of the Democratic Party.

It shall be the policy of BWDC-PC to support initiatives and ballot measures that enhance the growth of the Democratic Party, develop Party leadership, promote harmony among Party members, and advance the principles of the Democratic Party and oppose initiatives and ballot measures that detract from the growth of the Democratic Party.

Whether through endorsements of candidates and/or initiatives and ballot measures, it shall be the aim of BWDC-PC, in all its efforts, to contribute to the advancement of Black women in the Democratic Party; to support local, state, and national platforms that seek to address issues affecting Black women; and to encourage its members in the development of leadership among themselves.

As much as possible, the BWDC E-Board and Political Committee will adhere to these guidelines. When necessary, we reserve the right to make adjustments to the process as needed. Any significant changes will be shared with the membership and updated on the BWDC website.

Please read through the following steps before submitting your endorsement questionnaire: 

1. Endorsement requests are open to all districts and seats.
2. Submit a formal request by completing the BWDC Endorsement Questionnaire on the BWDC homepage or by requesting it be shared via email.
3. Ensure the entire survey is completed and a message confirming submission is received.
4. The BWDC-PC will review applications and schedule an initial interview with the candidate.
5. The BWDC-PC will screen questionnaire responses and may eliminate from further consideration those candidates deemed non-viable or unsuitable for BWDC support.
6. The BWDC-PC recommendations will be presented to the general membership at a scheduled meeting.
7. Candidates approved by the BWDC-PC will be invited to speak at an upcoming general membership meeting to share their platform and answer questions.
8. Dues paying BWDC members of more than 30 days will be sent a ballot with one calendar week to respond. Members do NOT need to be present to vote. 
9. Endorsement of a candidate or position on a ballot measure requires a simple majority vote.
10. Candidates (whether endorsed or not) will be notified within 24 hours after voting has ended.

All candidates are prohibited from disclosing any BWDC internal information including, but not limited to, the BWDC Questionnaire and Pledge.

All candidates running for office shall be required to complete a written questionnaire in order to be considered for endorsement. All questionnaires must ask the candidate to sign the BWDC Pledge as adopted by BWDC’s Executive Board, and must include information regarding the candidate’s funding and base of support.

Candidates should be interviewed in meetings open to all BWDC members as part of the evaluation process whenever possible.

All candidates are prohibited from disclosing any BWDC Internal Information, including but not limited to, BWDC Questionnaire and Pledge.

• Commitment to BWDC’s agenda and the Black Community, based on questionnaire responses, statements in the public record, and actions the candidate has taken to demonstrate such commitment
• Responses to questions posed in interview meetings
• Signing of the BWDC Pledge in support of the progress of Black women

Candidate’s viability judged by:

• Commitment and ability to raise funds adequate to win.
• Base of support, as demonstrated by endorsements and contributions from individuals and groups that make a difference in winning elections.
• Name recognition, personal history (strengths and liabilities), polling data, ballot designation and match up with other candidates.
• Adequacy of candidates’ campaign plan and campaign team.