How SkyAbove Political helped Wini Griffin and Dana Tovar win seats on the Smithville City Council — defeating entrenched incumbents through community-powered Facebook advertising.
Wini Griffin and Dana Tovar had never run for office before. They were community members — mothers, neighbors, volunteers — who believed Smithville deserved better representation. But they faced a daunting reality: two entrenched incumbents with name recognition, donor networks, and the full weight of the status quo behind them.
To make matters worse, one incumbent resorted to dirty campaign tactics — spreading misinformation and attempting to undermine the challengers' credibility. In a small town where everyone knows everyone, this kind of negative campaigning can be devastating.
The odds were stacked against them. First-time candidates. No political machine. No war chest. Just a genuine desire to serve their community — and SkyAbove Political in their corner.
We built a hyper-local Facebook advertising campaign that spoke directly to Smithville residents — their concerns, their values, their desire for transparent leadership.
Every ad was geo-targeted exclusively to Smithville, TX citizens. No wasted impressions — every dollar reached a potential voter.
Real Smithville residents speaking on camera about why they support Dana and Wini. Authentic voices, not polished political ads.
Core message: your city council should be transparent, accountable, and accessible. We hammered this theme across every creative.
Dedicated ads for early voting times, election day logistics, and 'your vote matters' messaging to drive turnout in a low-attention race.
Messaging centered on 'Your Voice Matters' — showing voters that these candidates would actually listen and represent them.
Educational content showing how local elections directly shape daily life — roads, water, parks, safety — making the race feel urgent.
Your city council should operate in the open. No backroom deals. No hidden agendas.
Smithville deserves leaders who look like, live like, and listen to the people they serve.
Every resident has a right to be heard. These candidates will fight for your seat at the table.
From water bills to road repairs — your city council makes decisions that affect you every single day.
Low turnout elections are won by the establishment. We mobilized voters who'd never voted in a city race before.
Real neighbors, real testimonials, real support — not political machines, but people power.
FACEBOOK FEED • FACEBOOK STORIES • FACEBOOK REELS • FACEBOOK VIDEO • AUDIENCE NETWORK
From voter education graphics to community testimonial videos, every piece of creative was designed to resonate with Smithville residents and drive them to the polls.
FACEBOOK FEED • FACEBOOK STORIES • FACEBOOK REELS • AUDIENCE NETWORK
On election night, Smithville sent a clear message: the community wanted change. Both Wini Griffin and Dana Tovar won their races, defeating seated incumbents and becoming the newest members of the Smithville City Council.
First-time candidates can beat incumbents with the right strategy
Video testimonials from real residents are more powerful than any polished ad
Hyper-local Facebook targeting works in small-town races
Voter turnout messaging can change the outcome of low-attention races
Dirty tactics backfire when you run a positive, community-first campaign
Women candidates win when given the right platform and support
SkyAbove Political proved that with the right digital strategy, first-time candidates can overcome every disadvantage — no experience, no political machine, even dirty opposition tactics — and win.
If you're ready to run — we're ready to win.
