With the November election approaching, the message from one conservative writer is simple: everyone can do something, and local races are where it counts most.
In a recent column for American Thinker, Robin M. Itzler argues that Patriots don’t need deep pockets to make a difference. Donations are always welcome, she writes, but volunteering time, making calls, knocking on doors, or simply reaching out to a local county Republican Party or candidate’s campaign can be just as valuable — especially for local candidates running on shoestring budgets.
Itzler’s piece centers on a concrete example: the campaign of Maureen “Quinn” Flaherty, a special education teacher who ran for the Long Beach, California, school board in the June 2026 primary. Flaherty, who has hosted events teaching the public about constitutional rights since 2020, said her goal was to do more for her community amid what she called “many agendas that are unhealthy for children attending public schools.”
What happened next, according to Flaherty’s account shared with Itzler, illustrates both the challenges and the potential of grassroots conservative activism in local elections.
A Campaign Against the Odds
Flaherty said she faced significant opposition during the campaign. She described disparaging signs placed throughout Long Beach and in her own neighborhood, attack ads on YouTube, and the presence of teacher union members and Antifa at her events attempting to shut down her voice.
Despite those hurdles, she finished second in a three-candidate primary with 33 percent of the vote. The incumbent won outright with 55 percent, thanks to California’s 50-plus-1 rule for local primary elections. Flaherty lost, but the margin and the circumstances raised eyebrows.
According to the Long Beach Post, as cited in Itzler’s column, the Teachers Association of Long Beach (TALB) spent more than $200,000 to defeat Flaherty, whom they reportedly labeled the “Conservative Challenger.” The union also claimed she was “too MAGA for Long Beach,” a phrase Flaherty noted simply means “make America great again” — a slogan she considers apt for a city needing conservative leadership.
“My efforts threatened the teachers’ union,” Flaherty said.
Grassroots Support Made a Difference
Without the financial backing TALB had, Flaherty relied on community support. She credited local churches, including Calvary Chapel Long Beach, and volunteers who made phone calls, knocked on doors, distributed lawn signs, created flyers, and attended campaign events.
“During the campaign, I made new friends who ‘get it’ and I will consider running again when the opportunity arises because it’s just that important!” she said.
Flaherty, who has worked as a special education teacher and counselor for 23 years, framed her run as standing up for a just and noble cause. She encouraged others to consider running for local office, noting that the experience is educational and impactful. For those who don’t want to run, she urged support for candidates in any way possible.
The Bigger Picture
Itzler’s column frames these local efforts as part of a larger struggle, warning of what she describes as a “growing communist takeover” and urging readers to act to “save our nation.” The language is strong, but the practical advice is straightforward: local races for school boards, city councils, aldermen, boards of supervisors, and commissioners often lack resources, and even modest help can be significant.
For conservatives looking to get involved, Itzler suggests contacting the local county Republican Party or reaching out directly to a candidate or proposition campaign. The options are many: phone banking, door knocking, hosting events, or simply spreading the word.
The underlying argument is that engagement at the local level matters — not just for winning elections, but for building networks and momentum. Flaherty’s experience suggests that even a losing campaign can galvanize supporters, create new connections, and lay groundwork for future runs.
“What is your something?” Itzler asks. It’s a question that applies to voters of any political stripe, but particularly to those who feel their voices are underrepresented in local government.
As the November election nears, the call is clear: you don’t need to be a millionaire to make a difference. You just need to show up.
Source: www.americanthinker.com — https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/08/getting-involved-means-republicans-can-win/