DTV Kicks Off 2026 with $14 Million Plan, 24 Key Endorsements

Defend The Vote aims to elect a pro-democracy majority and help Democrats improve their message to voters, especially on the connection between democracy and the economy

DTV and DTV Action Fund plan to invest a combined $12-$14 million on their respective missions, with DTV working to elect pro-democracy candidates and DTV Action Fund focused on pro-democracy issue advocacy

Defend The Vote and its affiliated organization are kicking off the 2026 election cycle with a $14 million plan.

DTV will invest at least $10 million to elect a pro-democracy majority in Congress—starting with the endorsement of 24 democracy champions, many of whom are running in the country’s most competitive districts.

• In addition to these investments, DTV will focus on helping Democrats improve their messaging to better connect with voters—especially by showing the connection between democracy and economic wellbeing. 

• DTV will also continue its work to ensure voting rights and democracy issues remain at the core of the Democratic party’s agenda.

DTV Action Fund will spend $2-$4 million supporting election worker and voter protection efforts, nonpartisan GOTV activities, and advocating for reforms that protect our democracy.

DTV and DTV Action Fund are launching this plan as Americans’ freedoms are under attack. They’ve been eroded by voter restrictions, gerrymandering, dark money, and political misinformation, which has broken our system of democracy. Everyday Americans are shut out, while wealthy special interests buy access and influence, leading to policies that serve their interests at the expense of everyone else.

“Our democracy is broken and has failed too many Americans. That’s why we’re making this investment to help elect standout leaders who are fighting to put power in the hands of voters,” said DTV Executive Director Brian Lemek. “These candidates understand that strengthening democracy is about making government work for everyone so we can make real progress on issues like lowering costs and protecting access to health care.”

These Members of Congress are leaders on protecting and expanding the right to vote and strengthening democracy. They oppose restrictive laws that would block eligible American citizens from voting. They support the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. They support funding for local election workers to run safe and accessible elections without threat of harassment or intimidation and to prevent the spread of misinformation.

DTV, one of the nation’s leading and most influential pro-democracy organizations, is dedicated to defending the freedom to vote and rebuilding our democracy to serve all of us. It supports candidates through direct donations, fundraising support from its pro-democracy donor network, independent expenditures, issue briefings, message guidance and research, and on the ground and in-state campaign support. Last cycle, it helped elect 108 pro-democracy candidates, including 75% of the candidates it endorsed.

Defend The Vote Action Fund supports local and national efforts to protect election workers and voter access, provide voter education, as well as advocate for legislation to strengthen our democracy and to hold members accountable to their commitment to voting rights.