Chapter 25 – Serving in Congress & the Ohio General Assembly
25.14 The Future of Legislative Careers
Fundraising
One of the most significant challenges in pursuing a legislative career today is the necessity of fundraising. The costs of running for federal or state elected office have skyrocketed in recent years, which makes fundraising an essential part of any campaign. Candidates must raise substantial amounts of money to cover expenses like advertising, travel, staff salaries, and more. Costs will only get more expensive moving forward.
This financial pressure often forces candidates to spend a significant portion of their time seeking donations and support from individuals, political action committees (PACs), and other organizations. The increasing costs can be a barrier for many potential candidates, particularly those who are not independently wealthy or lack established networks of donors.
If you’re interested in learning more, watch this Last Week Tonight episode on Congressional fundraising.
YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ylomy1Aw9Hk
Duration: 21:24
Polarization & Partisanship
Entering a legislative career today also means navigating an increasingly hostile and uncivil work environment. The political climate has become more polarized, which leads to heightened tensions and less collaboration among lawmakers. Disagreements over policy are often more intense, and personal attacks have become more common, both in public and behind the scenes.
How Polarization and Partisanship Shape Politics
Polarization and partisanship both shape how government works and often limit opportunities for compromise. Polarization is the widening divide between political parties and their supporters, where people cluster at opposite ends of the political spectrum and grow less willing to find common ground. Partisanship refers to strong loyalty to one political party, which can guide how people vote, how lawmakers make decisions, and how debates are framed. When polarization deepens and partisanship hardens, elected officials face pressure to stick with their party’s position instead of working across the aisle, which makes it harder to solve problems together.
This environment can be challenging for anyone considering a career in public service, as it requires not only thick skin but also a strong commitment to working through conflicts and finding common ground. Despite these challenges, those who choose to pursue a legislative career can still find opportunities to make a positive impact, though it may require more resilience and determination than in the past.
Harassment & Political Violence
Being a politician or working as a staffer increasingly involves dealing with online harassment, including threats and public shaming on social media. Elected officials also are experience more direct forms of abuse.
For a better understanding of the impact of abuse, you can watch this video:
YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_pjO_5grDw
Duration: 7:58
The video was produced by the Brennan Center for Justice, which is a nonpartisan law and policy institute based at New York University School of Law.
Technology
Technology is changing the profession in several ways. For one, digital communication tools, such as social media, allow legislators to connect with constituents more directly and frequently than ever before. This increased connectivity can be both a blessing and a challenge, as it requires legislators and their aides to manage constant communication and respond quickly to public concerns.
Additionally, technology is streamlining the legislative process itself. Digital platforms now allow for the easier drafting, tracking, and amending of legislation, which make the process more efficient. However, this also means that legislative aides and officials must be adept at using these tools and staying updated on the latest technological advancements.
Finally, technology is changing how campaigns are run, with data analytics playing a larger role in targeting voters and shaping campaign strategies. As technology continues to evolve, those in the legislative profession will need to adapt to new tools and methods to remain effective and relevant.
AI Policy
Another instance of technology affecting the future is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). It and other technological advances pose both significant opportunities and risks for society. AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, but it also raises concerns about privacy, job displacement, and ethical decision-making.
As these technologies continue to develop, federal and state lawmakers must stay on top of these changes and ensure that the tech industry is regulated in a way that protects the public good. This includes creating laws and policies that address issues like data security, algorithmic bias, and the ethical use of AI. Legislators will need to balance fostering innovation with safeguarding the rights and well-being of citizens, making it crucial for those in the profession to be informed and proactive in this rapidly changing landscape.
