The nation’s largest network of left-leaning megadonors invested millions of dollars in California and New York House races in 2022 to build a get-out-the-vote operation in states that traditionally lean Democratic but lack political infrastructure, potentially impacting the balance of power in the House of Representatives. The Democracy Alliance, a funding group for left-leaning causes, acknowledged failures in these states in the previous election and decided to deepen involvement in electoral politics by partnering with unions to fund extensive field organizing efforts. In New York, the group raised over $11 million for its Battleground NY effort, focusing on building a large field operation, canvassing, and voter registration in key districts. In California, a similar effort was made to flip Republican-held seats through on-the-ground organizing. The group targeted specific lawmakers in both states, aiming to influence the election in favor of Democrats. This approach, focusing on door knocks, phone calls, and face-to-face conversations, is seen as a departure from the usual strategy of large donor-funded groups that prioritize TV ads. The Democracy Alliance aims to create lasting infrastructure beyond the election cycle and combat political complacency among Democrats in traditionally blue states like California and New York. The group’s efforts reflect a broader push by Democrats to mobilize grassroots support in crucial battleground states to secure victories in tight races and potentially shift the balance of power in the House.
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