You Won—Now What?

How Americans Can Make Democracy Work from City Hall to the White House

By Taegan D. Goddard and Christopher Riback

Winning an election is the easy part. Governing is where the real work begins.

In You Won—Now What?, Taegan Goddard and Christopher Riback examine the challenge that confronts every newly elected official: turning a campaign victory into effective government.

Drawing on real-world examples from city halls, state capitals, Congress, and the White House, the book argues that government is not simply a system to be repaired. It is a human institution, shaped by the judgment, priorities, and leadership of the people voters choose to run it.

The book identifies eight essential traits of effective public officials and offers practical lessons for anyone seeking to make government work better—from elected leaders and staff to activists, students, and citizens.

Originally published by Scribner in 1998, You Won—Now What? remains a timely guide to the often-overlooked question that follows every election:

What happens after the victory speech?

Why It Still Matters

Campaigns are built around promises. Governing is built around choices.

The central insight of You Won—Now What? is as relevant today as it was when the book was first published: political institutions matter, but leadership matters more. Public officials succeed not merely by winning office, but by understanding how to set priorities, build relationships, communicate clearly, and translate ambition into results.

At a time of deep public frustration with government, the book offers a practical and optimistic argument: democracy can work when the people entrusted with power know how to govern.

Praise for You Won—Now What?

“If more public officials read You Won—Now What? before taking office, I’d have much less work to do. Goddard and Riback identify the problems with today’s ‘throw the bums out’ style of government and offer real solutions. This book speaks to anyone in — or anyone who cares about — American government.”

— Mike Wallace, 60 Minutes correspondent.

“Goddard and Riback do a good job of analyzing American democracy and suggesting real-world, practical suggestions to assist public officials.”

— Bill Bradley, U.S. Senator.

“You Won—Now What? will be a great help to newly elected public officials.”

— Christine Todd Whitman, former Governor of New Jersey.

“Whether you are working on the inside as a public official or on the outside as a political activist, this book promises to show the way toward achieving one’s goals in the public sector.”

— Joseph Lieberman, U.S. Senator.

“You Won—Now What? goes to the heart of the matter — posing the question I and every other public official ask ourselves when the campaign closes and the tough job of governing begins. Goddard and Riback provide insightful answers in this book filled with riveting examples and intriguing characters. If you care about making government work, read this book.”

— Richard Riordan, Mayor of Los Angeles.

“A wise and practical book for those who run public institutions — at any level, of any party, at any time.”

— Richard Lamm, Governor of Colorado.

“Promises to be a landmark contribution towards understanding — and correcting — our current frustrations with government.”

— Donald Riegle, U.S. Senator.

“Goddard and Riback provide a compass to navigate through the obstacles and challenges facing any new officeholder.”

— M.J. Foster, Governor of Louisiana.

“Helpful to practitioners and others concerned about the problems of government.”

— Stephen Goldsmith, Mayor of Indianapolis.

Order the Book

The hardcover and paperback are available at Amazon and other booksellers.