In the Streets and at the Ballot Box
Raising our voices and our power.
Democrats and progressives saw big wins around the country in 2025. Lean Left worked in three states that held important elections and experienced similar results: the retention of three state Supreme Court justices in PA; a sweep of the statewide races for Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General as well as 13 House seats flipped in VA; and 630+ municipal races won in NC. This means the wind is at our backs as we turn to the midterms in 2026.
But we can’t rest. We will need to step out of our comfort zones and commit to doing whatever we can to protect voters’ rights and encourage turnout for Democratic candidates.
The GOP continues their effort to take control of elections at the state and local levels through voter suppression legislation. They are also taking control of election boards that have the power to certify, or refuse to certify, election results, and they have leaned into gerrymandering wherever they can.
For 9+ years, Lean Left Vermont has been forging strong ties with on-the-ground organizers in crucial battleground states so we can connect Vermont activists with effective ways to ensure a robust and just democracy. In 2026, Lean Left Vermont will be working in these key states: New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Lean Left Vermont Organizers
Dana, Gretchen, Brooke, Susan, Elizabeth, Janet, Eve, Rebecca
Learn more about Lean Left’s 2026 Strategy and how you can get involved.
Fund the Movement
October/November 2026 Beneficiary
Democracy Defenders — Elections Safeguard Response Network
Holding Power to Account
The threats facing U.S. elections are real and ongoing. Across the country, state-level entities have gerrymandered districts, enacted onerous voting laws, closed polling locations, and challenged and removed legitimate voters from the voter rolls. Challenging election results and refusing to certify could be just ahead in November.
The Elections Safeguard Response Network (ESRN), co-founded by the Democracy Defenders Fund (DDF), will be leading the way with its network of national, state, and local partners working together to identify, plan for, and respond to election sabotage.