Because you always research who you vote for.
Here's the synopsis for a local Democrat for mostly irrelevant local position (think of it like, local village official dog-walker or some shit):
Former US military (infantry officer), no obvious Leftist endorsements, many years spent as a Judo athlete, private practice attorney, no significant political experience, adequate physiognomy, official Democrat Party information page made no appeals to Culture War topics, or even really any significant political topics at all. (I live in a pretty red area)
Here's the quote for the local Republican for the same position:
Accomplishments:
Promoted diversity training for [government strata] employees
He's a multi-year incumbent. Has been either an attorney or a politician for the past 30 years. Poor physiognomy.
Just because there is an R in their name doesn't mean they aren't supporting DIE in the government.
CLEAR. THEM. OUT.
The thing I've learned about some parts of local government is how fucking malicious and corrupt and petty it is.
I'd need to clear them out, to be honest. And to do that, I'd need backers and allies.
You go into local politics by your lonesome and they'll cut your throat out because they are probably trying to steal many hundreds of dollars a year.