As the vibrant backdrop of the 2016 presidential debates between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump fills the airwaves, strategists Gary Zimmer and Faith Brewster expertly navigate the turbulent waters of public opinion in favor of their candidates. Yet, when Trump emerges victorious, Gary finds himself facing a significant downturn in his career.
In the small town of Deerlaken, Wisconsin, retired Colonel Jack Hastings unexpectedly steps into the spotlight when a passionate speech during a town hall meeting goes viral. This newfound popularity catches Gary's attention, who sees an opportunity to redeem his faltering political career by pushing for Jack to become the Democratic nominee for mayor.
Determined to ensure their success, Gary relocates to Deerlaken, renting an upstairs apartment above a quaint local pub, where the warm and quirky culture offers him a fresh start. His initial visit leads him to Jack's home, where he also meets Jack's daughter, Diana. Despite Jack's resistance, rooted in his conservative beliefs, Gary persistently persuades him to run for office, promising to manage the campaign.
Their campaign begins with a series of comical missteps, highlighted by Jack's awkward announcement that included rustic props designed to tap into small-town sentiments. As they find their stride, Gary forms connections with the local community, including the charming bartender and friendly café owner. However, tensions rise when Faith, sent by the Republican National Committee, seeks to undermine their campaign by supporting Jack’s opponent, the incumbent Mayor Braun.
Gary cleverly realizes Faith’s influence when he notices a billboard displaying a misplaced semicolon—a telltale sign of her handiwork. Viewing this as a desperate tactic, Gary remains undeterred. As their rivalry intensifies, he develops a close relationship with Diana, learning about her dedication to her community while his competitive spirit leads him to engage in manipulative tactics to outmaneuver Faith.
The campaign soon spirals into chaos as a group of nuns protest against their efforts due to a controversial plan regarding government-funded contraception in schools. In addition, conservative media outlets like Fox News attempt to tarnish Jack's reputation by branding him an enemy of veterans due to his association with Democratic figures. As the pressure mounts, Gary’s frustration deepens, compelling him to push Jack and Diana to revitalize their campaign, while he himself contemplates underhanded strategies more akin to those of his rivals.
While Jack and Diana try to maintain an optimistic outlook, Gary's ongoing pressure leads him to seek outside support, dragging Jack to New York City for a pivotal speech to potential donors. His address resonates deeply, resulting in a significant boost in campaign funding, which allows them to modernize their digital strategy by upgrading from outdated dial-up technology.
Adding to their growing team, Gary recruits enthusiastic volunteers like Kurt and Tina, but his harsh leadership style raises concerns for Diana, who warns him that his approach must soften if he wishes to retain their loyalty.
Just as their campaign seems on the brink of success, the unexpected arises—the rumor mill starts churning regarding Braun’s alleged illegitimate child. Although this initially appears to be a golden opportunity for Jack's campaign, further investigation reveals the claims to be unfounded. Faced with mounting challenges, Jack and Diana consider fabricating a scandal of their own, but their plans unravel when the truth comes to light, proving them to be mere deceptions.
On election day, a shocking twist disrupts the expected outcome when Gary learns that one of his own team members had orchestrated events to lead him to Deerlaken. In a state of shock, he and Faith discover that the election results have resulted in a tie between Jack and Braun. As Gary scrambles to uncover the truth, he faces a disheartening realization: he has been manipulated from the very beginning. The viral video of Jack's impassioned speech and the entire election process had been a clever ruse orchestrated by Jack and Diana to generate funds for their town. Gary's naivety is ultimately laid bare, exposing him as a pawn in their elaborate scheme.
Meanwhile, Faith finds herself intrigued by Jack and Diana’s audacious planning, admiring their strategic prowess as the situation unfolds. With their sights set forward, Jack and Diana chart a new course for Deerlaken, while a disappointed Gary grapples with the true nature of the political game. A hint of romance flickers between Gary and Diana but soon transforms into a surprising connection with Faith, marking a complicated turn in their relationship.
As the tumult of the election comes to a close, Deerlaken faces the aftermath of political maneuvering, revealing the stark reality of the lengths politicians will traverse to reach their goals. Unbeknownst to the residents, Diana’s tactics ultimately bear fruit as she triumphantly claims victory in a special election, securing her position as the new mayor of Deerlaken.
