Camp Carnahan 2026

Come Join Us at the Camp Carnahan Campaign Training Program Kansas City Missouri!

Educate-Organize-Win!


Please join the Missouri Democratic Party at Camp Carnahan to help you develop the necessary skills to win elections this fall. Camp Carnahan is perfect for you if you are looking to get your start in Democratic politics as a campaign professional, run for office yourself or if you are looking to win on an issue, such as the upcoming abortion rights ballot initiative. 


In 1997, we created the first in a series of regional Camp Carnahan training programs, which trained over 800 participants in the fundamentals of winning elections. Coming this February 2026, led by Chairman Russ Carnahan, the Missouri Democratic Party will return to training with the goal to Educate, Organize and Win elections. We are excited about this training and camp that will be held January 31st and February 1st in Kansas City, Missouri.

KANSAS CITY CAMP SCHEDULE

  • Monday, January 26, 2026 - Confirmation email for Camp Carnahan sent to applicants
  • Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 9:30am - Camp opens w/ participant registration & will conclude at 5:30pm
  • Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 6:30pm-8:00pm - Special Reception (Information TDB)
  • Sunday, February 1, 2026 - Camp opens at 9:30am and concludes at 4:00pm.


Camp Carnahan will provide meals, a workbook pdf, instruction from some of the nation's premier Democratic political consultants, interactions with Democratic elected officials, and an invitation to join our job bank.


Camp Carnahan Kansas City 2026 Training Tracks:


CANDIDATE TRAINING TRACK

The Candidate Training track will be an introduction to and preparation for a run at elected office. We encourage everyone thinking about running for office in 2026 to attend this training. Participants in the Candidate Training program will have the opportunity to be mentored by elected officials and some of the top political consultants in the country.


ISSUE ADVOCACY AND ORGANIZING TRACK

This track introduces the strategies and tactics necessary for building a successful issue advocacy campaign or program. It helps individuals develop the skills to create and carry out successful issue campaigns including message development, community outreach, working with volunteers, grassroots lobbying, leadership development and building effective coalitions. Attendees will sharpen their grassroots organizing abilities and learn about building a sustaining effective issues advocacy effort.


CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT TRACK

The Campaign Management track will be an introduction to the fundamentals of political campaigns. You will learn the basics of fundraising, field organizing, press relations, advance, volunteer coordination, GOTV, targeting, candidate relations and modern technology. Attendees will be divided up into teams and will be responsible for writing and presenting various campaign exercises during this intensive three-day program.