If a majority of the populace supports your position, you'll have a much easier (though by no means easy) time doing the above. If a majority doesn't, then it'

If a majority of the populace supports your position, you'll have a much easier (though by no means easy) time doing the above. If a majority doesn't, then it's a feature of democracy rather than a bug that you probably won't be able to do it. But lets assume you've identified a real winner of a platform. You don't have to start from zero to make it happen — there will be existing candidates and organizations looking to achieve the same goals as you, and you should just join those campaigns. For example, many American cities have YIMBY clubs. Join yours and they'll have lots of great input on how you can put your finite volunteer time to effective political use.