The day after a lost election is a time for reflection and gratitude, regardless of the outcome. For Joel Pollak, who ran for Congress in Skokie, Illinois, in 2010, it meant returning to the train stations where he had greeted commuters, not to campaign, but to thank the voters for their time and consideration.
Pollak's journey into politics began unconventionally. Initially a left-wing Democrat in college, he later became a conservative. His path to candidacy was accelerated after a viral confrontation with then-Congressman Barney Frank at Harvard, which led to an offer from the Illinois Republican Party to run for Congress in a heavily Democratic district.
He launched his campaign with limited resources, no staff, and minimal support from the national Republican headquarters. Pollak took it upon himself to conduct opposition research, uncovering links between his opponent, Jan Schakowsky, and the Obama White House's push for the Affordable Care Act. This story gained traction through conservative media outlets.
As his campaign gained momentum, Pollak hired staff, including a veteran political operative who advised him to engage directly with constituents at train stations. The campaign also benefited from the missteps of his opponent, including controversial associations and support for a left-leaning Jewish group, which alienated some voters in the heavily Jewish district. Notable figures like Alan Dershowitz, a staunch Democrat at the time, endorsed Pollak, signaling a shift in political alignments.
With increased funding, the campaign escalated with rallies, debates, and media appearances. Despite a spirited effort, the election results were called within an hour, with Schakowsky winning re-election. Pollak delivered a speech to his supporters, thanking them for their dedication.
The following day, Pollak followed the advice of his strategist and returned to the train stations to express his gratitude to voters. This experience, he writes, was his first firsthand knowledge of what a losing candidate does the day after an election: thank the voters and begin to pick up the pieces.
Though he lost the election in Chicago, the experience led Pollak to a new life in Los Angeles, where he began a career in media. He is currently the Opinion editor of the California Post.