How do candidates get their money to run?

Answer 1

That depends on the election. Candidates for local offices often finance their campaigns out their own pockets. Candidates for state and national offices rely on donations. Office-holders usually have money stashed away from past campaigns. Politicians seeking their first office often use a substantial amount of their own money. State and national party organization solicit money all the time and contribute to the campaigns of their nominees. The federal government makes funding available for the presidential election campaigns.