The Inspirational Candidate: Campaign Manager’s Valuable Investment A Greater Diversity News Exclusive

By Tracey Morrison, GDN Contributing Writer

Election Night, Tuesday, July 26th, I cruised along Raeford Road with my candidate, Councilwoman Courtney Banks-McLaughlin. We were en route to the watch party hosted by Mayor Colvin. My phone was glued to the Fayetteville Observer social media page, waiting patiently for the results of the City Council race for District 8. “Courtney, you won!” I exclaim after the votes for the race were finalized. We celebrated in due fashion. I smile at her like a proud parent watching their child walk across the high school graduation stage. I was ecstatic about the work we did, positioning her to win. Not once, but twice.

This campaign was different from the previous campaign. The local municipal districts are drawn every ten years during the census count. Due to the pandemic, there was a delay in the census results for redistricting, which postponed the primary municipal election until July 2022. July was an unusual month to vote in a local municipal election. When you think of July, you think of fireworks, vacations, the beach, Disney World, and family reunions. There were concerns about getting people to the polls. The numbers were low for early voting. Those reasons were one available voting location, voters’ unawareness of the elections, and the conflicting voting hours. I didn’t allow those hurdles to deter me from getting Courtney to the finish line. Within a week before the General Election, Banks-McLaughlin decided to revert to our 2019 strategy. We canvassed from sun up until dawn. I committed to canvassing a few hours after working 8-9 hours. It was a tireless yet rewarding task. I was motivated to help Courtney win.

Courtney is an exceptional candidate who deserved to win the seat. She positively electrifies her constituents, treating them like family. Her consistency, nurturing demeanor, integrity, and transparency equipped her to serve another term on City Council. Some of her constituents were more motivated than I to ensure she won the seat again. Some donated their time to canvass, spread the word, and volunteer at the polls.

I knew Courtney before she served on the council. We were members of the church’s Young Adult ministry. Her amiable personality and heart for service radiated within the ministry. I can recall her gleefully sharing her passion for volunteerism on a ride home from a wedding. I told her she should consider running for City Council. Ten months later, Courtney filed for candidacy as an act of faith. I was more excited to step in the ring with her. I didn’t have any experience as a Campaign Manager, but I believe in her ability to serve on a bigger stage. I utilize my professional expertise and motivational techniques to push her beyond her comfort zone.

It was nerve-wracking for Courtney after she filed for candidacy. Courtney prayed for the pieces to come together for her campaign. She accepted the challenge with equanimity. My duty as a Campaign Manager was to lead and motivate her throughout the process. I selflessly supported her campaign vision. Together we executed a strong grassroots campaign. Our spirituality was a moving force that kept us girded in faith throughout the process.

Council-woman Courtney Banks-McLaughlin and Tracey C. Morrison

Politicians get a bad reputation for their idle promises and only being visual during elections. However, Courtney wasn’t the average politician. Courtney knew that her work didn’t stop after her first win. She worked assiduously to tend to her constituents’ needs and execute action plans beneficial for the community.

Being a Campaign Manager is a rewarding experience. You get the opportunity to not only manage a campaign but push your candidate beyond their ability. When working with candidates, Campaign Managers must ask themselves, would I vote for them if I was a voter in that district? You’re wasting your time if you don’t believe in your candidate.

Aspiring politicians often inquire about the blueprint behind Courtney’s win. I think that everyone must come in with a different approach. I also believe that being a politician is a calling. Courtney being a politician is her divine calling. When I saw that beacon of light in Courtney, as a Campaign Manager, I invested the time to make sure I did whatever it took to help put her into office.

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