Run For Something

Run For Something (RFS) was founded in 2017 and recruits and supports young, diverse progressives for down-ballot races to build a bench for the future . They aim to lower the barriers to entry for these candidates by helping them with seed money, organization building, and access to training.  

Being recognized as an RFS candidate shows I have great momentum and am running a solid, community-led campaign.  RFS is deeply engaged with endorsed candidates, ie connects them to high-touch partnerships, amplifies their stories in the press, and provides volunteer efforts including phone and text banking.

The endorsement process includes an extensive internal review with background check, staff interview and insight from local state experts.

 

Charles Meeker, 34th Mayor of Raleigh

“Jonathan Melton has the kind of progressive vision that our City Council needs. And Jonathan is known as a leader in many areas of our City, including the LGBTQ community. I am most pleased to endorse Jonathan’s campaign!”

Charles Meeker was the 34th and longest serving Mayor of Raleigh; he was first elected in 2001 and reelected to a record fifth term in 2009.  Mayor Meeker pushed to revitalize downtown Raleigh and successfully facilitated the construction of a new downtown convention center and hotel, as well as the reconstruction of Fayetteville Street.  Due to Mayor Meeker’s service, our city has more outdoor dining, art galleries, and open spaces.

 

Gary Pearce, Writer and Consultant

“I’m enthusiastically supporting Jonathan Melton. As a young professional and an accomplished community leader, he’ll bring fresh thinking and a new spirit to the City Council. He’ll help make Raleigh the dynamic, inclusive and innovative city it can be and should be.”

Gary Pearce is publisher of Talking About Politics, a blog focusing on national and North Carolina politics.  He is also a writer and consultant for Raleigh, N.C.-based Pearce Research Associates, Inc.  Prior to Talking About Politics, Gary was a campaign and gubernatorial aide to former Governor of North Carolina Jim Hunt.  (Source: Ballotpedia)

 

Eric Braun, Former Chair, Raleigh Planning Commission

“As an attorney, Jonathan understands the vital role that communication and compromise play in resolving conflict. Those same skills will serve him well in working with his fellow councilors to develop policies that address the often competing interests within a fast growing city like Raleigh”

Prior to retirement, Eric Braun practiced law in the areas of land use regulation, zoning, litigation and municipal law. Eric represented developers and property owners in a wide range of land use matters, including wetlands permitting, vested rights, rezoning, special use permitting and historic preservation, variance proceedings and related litigation.

Eric also taught municipal law and land use planning for NC State’s Master of Public Administration program.

Eric continues to volunteer with local boards, committees and nonprofits dedicated to solving social and economic issues vital to maintaining healthy and viable communities.