IADC Endorsement Process
The IADC will consider recommending candidates for endorsement prior to the CADEM Endorsement Convention that will be held in San Francisco between February 20 -22, 2026. Candidates who are registered Democrats and have demonstrated that they are aligned with IADC’s mission and values; and/or are members or allies of the Iranian American community are encouraged to apply.
The endorsement process is twofold: 1) candidates for Federal, State and Legislative offices that follow the California Democratic Party’s (CADEM) endorsement process 2) candidates for county and local offices.
Candidates for Federal, State and Legislative Office
The IADC Endorsement Committee will agree upon a series of issues against which to consider candidates. Upon completion of the CADEM’s endorsement process, the committee will review all who have received the Party’s endorsement against its evaluation standards. Candidates who have received CADEM’s endorsement do not need to complete any endorsement request form.
The Endorsement Committee will provide a list of CADEM’s endorsed candidates to all voting members of IADC to seek input on candidate(s) requesting endorsement with a set deadline for testimonials. Upon consideration by the Endorsement Committee, candidates who receive 60% of the Endorsement Committee’s (voting members present) approval will be forwarded to the Steering Committee; those who receive 60% approval of the voting members of the Steering Committee will receive IADC’s endorsement.
Candidates in races that were not endorsed by CADEM may ask for endorsement by following the process for county and local office candidates. However, please keep in mind that IADC is unable to endorse candidates whose opponent was already endorsed by CADEM in the current election cycle.
Candidates for County and Local Office
At the beginning of each two-year election cycle, the Endorsement Committee will formulate a questionnaire for candidates seeking endorsement. IADC will publicize an endorsements timeline at least 60 days in advance of the Endorsement Convention; this allows us to endorse grassroots emerging candidates early in the cycle. The Endorsement Committee will review applications as they arrive. Each candidate should have at least one member of the Steering Committee who would advocate for them in the Endorsement process. The Committee may set interviews for qualified candidates if the simple majority of the committee members present deemed it is necessary.
Prior to the interview, the Endorsement Committee will send out an email to all voting members of IADC to seek input on candidate(s) requesting endorsement with a set deadline for testimonials. Upon consideration by the Endorsement Committee, candidates who receive 60% of the Endorsement Committee’s (voting members present) approval will be forwarded to the Steering Committee; those who receive 60% approval of the voting members of the Steering Committee will receive IADC’s endorsement.
WHAT DOES IADC ENDORSEMENT ENTAIL
- Recognition on IADC website, newsletter, and social media platforms
- Ability to use our logo on candidate material
- Outreach to our 5000+ subscriber list through text banking, phone banking, and newsletter
- Joint fundraising opportunities
- Access to crosstab information obtained in the 2023 Poll of Iranian American Voters
In some circumstances, IADC may elect to provide a direct contribution to the campaign committee.
ALL ENDORSEMENT REQUESTS MUST COMPELTE THE IADC ENDORSEMENT FORM BY THE DEADLINE:
IADC’s 2026 Endorsement Review Form
TIMELINE FOR PRE-ENDORSEMENT CONVENTION RACES:
Application Acceptance period: NOV 11- DECEMBER 23
Initial interview period: December 8 – 15, 2025
last interview period: January 5 – 7, 2026
Announcement: January 15th, 2026
LAST APPLICATION ENDORSEMENT PERIOD, June 2nd, 2026 primaries
Candidate filing deadline: TBD
Application Acceptance period: TBD
Interview period: TBD
Announcement: TBD
IADC’s 2026 Endorsement Review Form
To contact the IADC Endorsement, please use the form below.