RU Running Political Campaign Training | 2025 Program
Agenda
4:30PM | Welcome Remarks from Jessica Ronan-Frisch, Associate Director, Center for Youth Political Participation
4:35PM to 4:50PM | Opening Exercise: Finding and Being the Candidate We Need
4:50PM to 5:30PM | Session One: I’m considering running for office: How do I launch a campaign?
Panelists: Kennith Gonzalez, Executive Director, NJ GOP & Rebecca Schwartz, Chief of Staff, New Jersey State Senator Joseph A. & Chair, Millennials for New Jersey
5:30PM to 5:35PM| Break
5:35PM to 6:15PM | Session Two: Campaign Messaging
Panelist: Henry De Koninck, Principal, Publitics
6:15PM to 6:20PM | Break
6:20PM to 7:00PM | Session Three: Importance of Fundraising: How to be in the best financial position when running for office
Panelists: Sunni Vargas, Ben Dziobek, Shayla Nunn, Kayleigh Lavornia, Board members of Gen Z for New Jersey
7:00PM to 7:10PM | Closing Remarks from United States Representative Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13)
7:15PM to 8:30PM | Networking Reception and Video Booth Reflections
Attendees interested in becoming involved in local political campaigns will have an opportunity to network with members of the Middlesex County Democratic Organization and Middlesex County Republican Organization. Additionally, the Rutgers Democracy Lab‘s mobile video booth will be capturing event reflections from participants in the Library. All video participants will receive prizes from the Rutgers Democracy Lab.
Meet the Panelists
Henry De Koninck
National award-winning political consultant Henry de Koninck has written and produced some of the most highly acclaimed TV ads, direct mail and digital content over the last decade. De Koninck has served as a campaign manager, media consultant, and lead strategist for Democratic campaigns throughout the United States. His experience includes serving as chief campaign strategist for U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey of New York, Mayor Sean Spiller of Montclair, New Jersey, and was the architect behind Upendra Chivukula’s 2014 congressional campaign.
De Koninck is the winner of numerous awards for excellence in political campaigning including a 2022 AAPC Pollie Award for Digital Video, a 2017 AAPC Pollie Award for Direct Mail, a 2013 Campaigns and Elections Magazine Stanley F. Reed Award for the best automated call in the country, and has been named to InsiderNJ’s Top 100 Millennials in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Ben Dzioek
Ben Dziobek currently is a Community Outreach Specialist at New Jersey Future working to bring water infrastructure funding to disadvantaged communities and assists municipalities with communications and engagement on water issues. He also serves as the Executive Director of CRAN working to coordinate and uplift youth voices to fight the climate crisis. Dziobek formerly served as an Advance and Briefing Aide at the office of Governor Murphy after interning in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Ben Dziobek has also served as a campaign consultant for numerous campaigns since 2020. He holds a double major undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and Political Science from Stockton University. He proudly comes from a family of Armenian immigrants who settled in Bergen City and later West Belmar.
Kennith Gonzalez
Kennith Gonzalez is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Republican Party. Born and raised in Hudson County, he got his start in politics early —running for office at just 18 years old. A graduate of Seton Hall University with a degree in political science, Kennith has worked on numerous campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels. Now, he leads efforts to grow the NJGOP, engage voters, and score Republican victories across the state.
Kayleigh Lavornia
Kayleigh Lavornia currently serves as Chief of Staff to State Senator Andrew Zwicker, representing parts of Somerset, Middlesex, Mercer, and Hunterdon counties. Lavornia joined Zwicker’s staff as a scheduling and legislative aide in 2022 after working as a field organizer on Gov. Phil Murphy’s re-election campaign and as an aide to Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur. She holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Media from Bangor University, and a MSc in Political Communication from the University of Glasgow.
Shayla Nunn
After graduating from New York University with a degree in political science, Shayla embarked on a career in politics, channeling her passion for governance and public service. Her early professional journey saw active involvement in various political campaigns, where Shayla honed her skills and contributed to the democratic process. Seeking new opportunities, she made the strategic move to New Jersey, embracing the challenges and dynamics of a different political landscape. In her role as a legislative staffer, she continues to play a crucial role in shaping and implementing policies, further solidifying her commitment to making a positive impact on the legislative front. Through this journey, she hopes to continue expanding her dedication to political engagement and advocacy by helping Gen-Z candidates run for elected office.
Rebecca Schwartz
Rebecca Schwartz is currently the Chief of Staff for Senator Joseph A. Lagana in Bergen County. She previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for District 38 for two years, where she was also Legislative Director for the office. From 2019 to 2022, she worked as a Senior Aide to Governor Phil Murphy in the Department of Intergovernmental Affairs, assisting mayors, county-level officials, and members of Congress throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she held legislative positions with then-Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, Assemblyman Tim Eustace, and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle. On the campaign side, Schwartz is an alumna of the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee, Hillary for America, and the Monmouth County Democrats. Schwartz is currently Chair of Millennials for New Jersey and a Henry Toll Fellow of the Council of State Governments. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh.
Sunni Vargas
Sunni is a seasoned political strategist and policy advocate, with a strong background in grassroots organizing and democratic enhancement. A proud first-generation college graduate, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from Monmouth University. She has managed clean energy campaigns with the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters and later led legislative and political efforts with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Born in Rahway, New Jersey, and raised across Union, Essex, and Ocean Counties, Sunni draws from a deep connection to her community. She proudly embraces her Puerto Rican and Italian heritage and is committed to making a positive impact in New Jersey and beyond. Currently, she serves as an elected Democratic County Committeewoman and Municipal Chair in Lacey Township, in addition to being the President of the Ocean County Young Democrats. She currently serves as the Political Director at the Working Families Party, where she continues to drive efforts for social justice and policy reform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bathrooms
Two bathrooms are located on the first floor of the Institute: The first restroom is located in the foyer near the back door; The second is located in the Caucus Room directly across from the Drawing Room on the first floor.