Losing an Election Isn’t Failing: Why Running Is Always Worth It

14 Jul Losing an Election Isn’t Failing: Why Running Is Always Worth It

Losing isn’t failing

Many women never run for office because they’re afraid to lose. But ask almost any seasoned public servant and you’ll hear the same thing: a campaign that doesn’t end in victory is still one of the most valuable things you can do.

Merrilee Boyack—an attorney, author, and longtime community advocate—ran for office, lost, and kept right on serving. Years later she ran again and won in a landslide. Her take is refreshingly direct:

“Losing is not a failure. Losing is a learning process.”

— Merrilee Boyack

That first campaign wasn’t wasted. It built skills, relationships, and confidence she drew on for years—and it inspired other women in her congregation to get involved for the first time. The influence of one woman stepping forward is bigger than we tend to realize.

One person—and it can be you

The hardest part is often simply believing your effort matters. Boyack describes the turning point this way:

“Once you realize that one person can make a difference, and that that one person can be you… no stopping.”

— Merrilee Boyack

Whether you win or lose, running puts your voice into the conversation, shows the next generation what’s possible, and prepares you for opportunities you can’t yet see.

Your next step

If fear of losing is the only thing holding you back, let it go. Pick a race, a board, or a cause and take one concrete step this week. Win or learn—there’s no losing.

Find encouragement and resources at projectelectwomen.org, and hear more stories on the Project Elect podcast.