The Candidate with Dave Kerpen

In this episode, Dave opens up about the toughest week of his campaign so far—and what it taught him about courage, criticism, and staying grounded when the spotlight turns harsh.

From getting publicly called out at a Democratic Club meeting to fielding attacks from both the far left and supporters of Israel, Dave shares what it’s really like to lead as a moderate in a polarized world. He also talks about the backlash he received fo...

In this episode, Dave shares how one boring software demo sparked a wild fundraising idea—reviving singing voicemails from his sales days at Radio Disney.

Dave opens up about what it really takes to stand out in politics today—and why playing it safe is a losing strategy. From creative fundraising (like a 1,000-person Mets game night) to “likable leadership” webinars and smile-powered disruption, this episode is a masterclass in bol...

We’re back for Season 2 of The Candidate, and truthfully… it feels both exciting and overwhelming. A lot has happened since we last recorded. The Mets are playing again. Our petition signatures are in. And I’m officially on the ballot.

But the big question I’ve been wrestling with — the one that’s kept me up at night — is: what do we call this third party?

In this episode, I talk with Jess Milanes (my producer, friend, and all-around...

What happens when a candidate goes beyond traditional party lines? 

In this episode, Dave reveals his surprising decision to create his own third party while still running as a Democrat for town supervisor.

Why take this unusual step? Dave doesn't hold back: "The Democratic brand is pretty darn broken right now." But launching a new party isn't easy - it requires special paperwork, signatures, and careful strategic ...

Can you be yourself and be electable? Dave Kerpen's pajama-clad coffee run sparks a surprising debate about authenticity in politics.

In this episode, Dave Kerpen faces "Pajama Gate" - when Democratic Party leaders freaked out after spotting him wearing pajamas on his daily morning coffee run to Dunkin' Donuts!

Dave shares his struggle between being authentic and following political advice, including whether to hide...

What if the party line was in your living room - and lifelong Republicans were supporting a Democrat? In this episode, Dave takes you inside his first political fundraiser, where anxiety meets opportunity and transparency clashes with political strategy.

Dave shares the stunning rare early campaign pledge from a key supporter - something his political consultant later warned him not to talk about publicly. Oops, too late for that!

Fr...

What would you do if experts told you to spend 90% of your time asking for money? 

In this eye-opening episode, Dave Kerpen faces the startling reality of political fundraising as he launches his campaign for town supervisor.

Is it really possible to raise a million dollars in just eight months? Dave shares his struggle with this daunting task and the awkward reality of asking friends for donations — including what happens when you s...

What happens when fate puts you on an airplane next to a U.S. Senator? 

In this episode, Dave reveals how a single airplane conversation planted the seeds for his political journey 14 years before he ever announced his candidacy.

From unexpected mentorship to tear-jerking messages that arrived just as his campaign launched, Dave pulls back the curtain on the personal moments that transformed him from entrepreneur to "The Candida...

What happens when a naturally positive person faces pressure to run a negative political campaign? 

In this revealing episode, Dave shares his struggle with a campaign consultant who insisted he "has no chance of winning" unless he attacks his opponent. Dave opens up about his surprising past as a reality TV contestant, and how that experience mirrors today's political landscape where candidates often become larger-than-life charact...

What makes someone trade business success for the hot seat of local politics?

Dave Kerpen reveals his fears as he prepares for his political debut in North Hempstead. Though he's spoken to crowds of 17,000 before, he admits he's "terrified" about launching his campaign.

Behind the scenes, Dave shares how he's crafting his first political speech with three key promises: boosting small businesses, creating transparent government, and c...

Ever wonder what happens before someone announces they're running for office? 

In this episode, Dave Kerpen pulls back the curtain on the wild world of political consultants - including one who wanted to charge him $60,000 just to make sure he makes his fundraising phone calls (yes, really!). 

From consultants who strictly work with only one political party to the art of vetting campaign partners, Dave shares the surprising and s...

Ever wonder what it's really like to run for office? 

Meet Dave Kerpen, a successful entrepreneur, New York Times Best-selling author, who's stepping into politics for the first time. 

In this episode, he opens up about the fears, challenges, and surprises of running for local office. From feeling like an outsider in rooms full of politicians to learning that direct mail still beats social media, Dave shares the raw t...