| To: Interested Parties From: Defend The Vote Re: DTV Helps Put Pro Democracy Candidates in Position to Win |
In Defend The Vote’s first full election cycle, it has emerged as a leading electoral force in the pro-democracy movement, working to elect candidates to the House, Senate and the White House who will enact the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore and protect our democracy.
- DTV supports endorsed candidates through direct donations, fundraising support from its pro-democracy donor network, independent expenditures, issue briefings, message guidance and research, and on the ground / in-state campaign support.
“Our families, our friends, and our neighbors are faced with the reality that our most fundamental freedoms are at stake this election. Defend the Vote and our 50-state network of supporters have invested in candidates who will stand up to extremism, protect the right to vote, prioritize our children’s future, and ensure everyone’s voice is heard so that our democracy serves everyone,” said DTV Executive Director Brian Lemek.
Defend The Vote’s work in support of candidates in 2024:
$3.1 million donated directly to candidates and allied organizations
- $1.4 million directly to 150 candidates, including max or double max contributions to 100 candidates
- Over $800,000 directly to 37 partner organizations, state victory funds, caucus PACs and leadership PACs
- Nearly $500,0000 directly to House Leadership through Defend the Vote Leadership Fund
- Over $400,000 through fundraising events and grassroots donor network
- Every Frontline and Red to Blue candidate received financial support
$4.2 million in Independent Expenditures in which DTV partnered
- Holding Scott Perry accountable for extremism
- Using Derrick Van Orden’s own words and actions against him
- Highlighting MAGA’s attacks on reproductive freedoms in seven battleground states
131 Endorsed Candidates
- Every endorsed candidate received financial support, including:
- 100 percent of Red to Blue candidates
- Full list of endorsed candidates can be found here
Over 30 campaign stops for Presidential, Senate, and House candidates
- Eight states: Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Maryland, Texas, Arizona, Nevada
5 candidate political, messaging, and policy briefings
- Covering democracy issues and legislation, including:
- Pro-democracy bills: the Freedom to Vote Act, John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
- Anti-democracy measures: SAVE Act and ACE Act, Project 2025
51 Top candidates sign letter for voting rights legislation
- DTV organized a letter to Congress signed by 51 top House challengers
- Calls for Freedom to Vote/John Lewis Voting Rights acts on Day One
- 100 percent of Red to Blue candidates signed the letter
- NY Times: House Democratic candidates say voting rights bills would be their first priority.
