Best Political Campaigning Board Games of 2024: Top 13 Review
Ready to get your political campaigning game on? We’ve picked 13 games that capture the excitement, chaos, and strategy of running a political campaign. We focus on games that balance fun and strategy, so if you’re a fan of deep tactics or just love a good political drama, there’s something here for you. Our picks include a mix of historical accuracy and modern twists, ensuring players of all interests find a title that clicks. Whether you’re an aspiring campaign manager or just want to understand the cutthroat world of politics, these games offer endless hours of entertainment.
On this list:
13 Campaign Trail
Ever wanted to run a political campaign without actually running for office? Campaign Trail lets you experience the thrill of the chase. We played this one weekend and felt like budding politicians, strategizing over policies as if our next barbecue depended on it. The game’s a blast with plenty of twists that kept us guessing. With unique event cards and different paths to victory, it’s perfect for political junkies and newcomers alike. Plus, it’s educational. You’ll come away knowing more about political campaigning than from a history class.
12 1960: The Making of the President
1960: The Making of the President pits you in the shoes of JFK and Nixon. Last Friday, my buddy Tom tried to channel his inner JFK, which only resulted in some terrible Boston accents. This game has players balancing public opinion, strategic campaigning, and a touch of charm. It’s a great mix of historical strategy with a sprinkle of humor amidst the political drama. Simple rules but complex strategies mean anyone can enjoy it, even if history wasn’t your best subject in school.
11 Watergate
Here’s one where you can channel your inner journalist or scoundrel politician. Watergate lets you uncover scandals faster than you can say “Deep Throat”. Playing this game is like opening a new episode of a crime thriller each time. When we played, someone tried to uncover secrets with the speed of a tabloid reporter. This game isn’t just fun. It’s educational and gives a good reminder of historical events without feeling like a history lecture. The tension keeps building as the game goes on, making it a favorite.
10 Imperial
Imperial is a solid choice for those who enjoy strategy and politics without diving into historical specifics. It offers a unique twist by allowing players to influence and invest in European powers, making it similar to ‘Churchill’ but with a more abstract touch. We often find ourselves caught in a desperate race to control Europe, reminiscent of our heated Monopoly evenings.
9 Founding Fathers
Founding Fathers lets you step into the powdered wigs of the early American political scene. We tried to be as civil as possible, but debates got hilariously out of hand. This game makes you realize how politics today isn’t so different. It’s all about negotiation, decision-making, and a little bit of backstabbing. It’s perfect for a group that enjoys a combination of light and strategic play.
8 Mr. President
Mr. President is where you play as the leader of the free world. You need to manage crises, keep allies happy, and maybe even fit in a quick round of golf. Played it last weekend when my friend decided their strategy was just to stay in the White House bunker. Spoiler: it didn’t work. It’s an intense, realistic simulation of leading a country—the closest we’ll get without running for office ourselves.
7 Democracy: Majority Rules
Democracy: Majority Rules is one of those games that truly embodies political campaigning. Gather support, make promises, and influence voters. When we played, my strategy was to promise ice cream for all. Some kids loved it! Democracy is about negotiation and clever tactics. It’s simpler than other political games, making it perfect for game night with friends who are new to the political arena.
6 The Republic of Rome
The Republic of Rome throws you into the chaotic political system of ancient Rome. This isn’t just a game about campaigning. It’s about survival! We had fun taking turns being a little too dictator-like. It’s a mix of cooperation, betrayal, and strategic genius. You need patience and a knack for negotiation, but it’s worth it. The unpredictable nature of politics keeps every game different.
5 Kremlin
Kremlin lets you run a Soviet-inspired political machine. It’s a bit of a dark comedy, where the healthiest (or sneakiest) politician wins. Playing this, we were trying to out-scheme each other. It’s not complicated, yet it captures the madness of political life effectively. The game mechanics make for amusing scenarios and endless laughter as each player tries to rise above the others.
4 Liberté
Liberté places you in the turbulent times of the French Revolution. Campaigning for factions in this game is as intense as dodging a guillotine. During our session, we felt like revolutionaries, albeit with less shouting. It’s strategic and complex, yet historically engaging. Players will enjoy outmaneuvering each other, plotting every move with caution. It never fails to bring out both a strategic and competitive spirit.
3 Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle is less about political campaigning and more about world dominance. But hey, isn’t that the ultimate campaign? We loved outmaneuvering each other through history with espionage and brinkmanship. It’s complex, but the Cold War theme makes it fascinating. Whether you’re a history fan or love strategy, this is a gripping game of tug-war with the world.
2 The Primary
The Primary gets players doing what political campaigning is all about—gathering votes. Think of it as a race to be the biggest voice in the room. When we played, it was all about managing limited resources and deciding which groups to prioritize, but someone always made a play for the senior vote with bingo nights. It’s fast-paced and gets competitive quickly, offering a real feel of running a modern campaign.
1 Campaign Manager 2008
We chose this because it offers a dynamic experience similar to Polls & Plots. It puts you in the shoes of a campaign manager during the 2008 U.S. presidential election. It’s engaging, strategic, and thoroughly available at BoardGameGeek.
0 Wings of Glory
Wings of Glory might not sound like a political campaigning game, but it’s all about strategizing and outsmarting your opponent. Imagine being a general in charge of war campaigns—every move counts. This game ranks as the best because of its unique combination of historical strategy and tactical finesse. When we played, every round felt like a mini battle, requiring teamwork and cunning. It’s an engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more.
