In the recent election cycle, People For the American Way endorsed a slate of candidates in key races around the country. From local school boards to congressional races, these candidates represent the progressive values we fight for every day.
In 14 states, we endorsed 24 campaigns. We engaged voters and drove them to the polls through targeted digital ads in key states, resulting in a 92% success rate for our endorsees.
Read on to learn more about our endorsement efforts, the diverse candidates, and how you can help us in our work to elect progressive leaders nationwide.
Election Results by the Numbers
This election cycle, we saw outstanding results in our targeted races. Candidates at all levels of government won their elections, delivering a progressive wave that swept from coast to coast.
- 20 general election wins, including California’s Prop 50, with two additional races advancing to runoff elections
- 92% win rate for our endorsed candidates
- 4 races flipped party control from Republican to Democrat
Investing in the Next Generation of Progressive Leaders
Young, progressive candidates are the future leaders of our country, and we’ve made it a priority to invest in their success. These candidates bring renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and bold ideas to our political landscape.
- 54% of endorsees are under the age of 40
- 58% of endorsees are women
- 63% of endorsees were non-incumbents, moving bold, new, progressive leaders up the ladder
How We Reached Voters Across the Country
Our voter outreach strategy included targeted digital ads for Mikie Sherrill, Stephanie Morales, and Jay Jones running on streaming services in key cities and states right up until election day. These ads directly contrasted the bold, progressive values of the candidates with the harsh, authoritarian rhetoric of the Trump administration.
- 50,000+ households reached with digital ads
- Ads viewed an average of eight times per household
- 500,000+ impressions on ads in New Jersey and Virginia alone
Impact Spotlight: New Jersey and Virginia
Two races exemplify the success seen on election night: Mikie Sherrill’s victory for Governor of New Jersey, and Jay Jones’ victory for Virginia Attorney General.
New Jersey
The election in New Jersey saw record turnout, especially among Black and young voters in places like Jersey City and the broader Hudson County. Sherrill won the state by 14 points and won young voters by more than 35 points. She also won 90% of Black voters in the state.
Virginia
Like in New Jersey, the Democratic ticket in Virginia won 90% of Black voters, driven by increased turnout among Black voters and rising anti-Trump sentiment. The Democratic ticket also enjoyed 35+ point leads among young voters who turned out at rates 7% higher than in 2021.
Help Support Our Election Efforts
From passing California’s Prop 50 to flipping seats on the East Coast, we saw a spectacular series of wins on election night, andwe couldn’t have done our part in achieving those victories without the help of our members and supporters. You can help us gear up for the next election, and continue our vital work between cycles, by donating or becoming a member today. Your support makes all the difference and can have a real impact on the future of our country.
