For years, Republicans have dominated state legislatures, using gerrymandering tactics to secure their power even in competitive states. The GOP, with the help of conservative think tanks and policy groups like the Heritage Foundation and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), has pushed through numerous conservative policies such as tax cuts, pro-gun laws, and environmental deregulation.
Now, Democrats are fighting back. One organization leading the liberal charge is the States Project, which was established in 2017 and made a significant financial investment in state legislative elections last year. In five competitive states – Arizona, Michigan, Maine, Nevada, and Pennsylvania – the States Project poured $60 million into races. Democrats have realized that many crucial battles on issues like abortion, gun control, and voting rights are happening at the state level due to gridlock in Congress. As a result, liberal groups, including organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety and Planned Parenthood, are shifting their focus towards state legislative races.
What sets the States Project apart is its exclusive focus on state legislatures. They provide a unique service by filling a void in liberal support for state lawmakers. Pennsylvania House of Representatives Speaker Joanna E. McClinton, a Democrat, attests to the crucial role the States Project played in empowering her party to gain a one-seat majority in the House. The organization provided them with a comprehensive list of liberal policy goals and strategies for achieving them. Even with the Republican-controlled Senate, Democrats managed to pass a state budget with significant increases in education funding and other progressive measures.
In a political climate where one party controls the majority in 39 states, it is essential for Democrats to make the most of even a slim majority. Democrats flipped several chambers last year and wasted no time enacting their agenda, including tightening gun laws, reducing carbon emissions, increasing education funding, and protecting abortion rights. The States Project has been instrumental in these victories. Founded by Adam Pritzker, a major Democratic donor, and Daniel Squadron, a former New York legislator, the organization aims to level the playing field for Democrats in state legislatures.
Unlike conservative counterparts, the States Project does not directly lobby for specific bills or employ lobbyists. Their budget is much smaller, around $5 million annually, with a staff of 20 working in 15 states. They are funded by Future Now Action, a dark-money group that does not disclose its donors. The organization stands out by making all of its proposals available to the public on its website, unlike other policy groups that work behind closed doors.
State legislators appreciate the resources and support provided by the States Project. Lawmakers can access an online policy library for guidance in drafting bills. The organization also facilitates collaboration between legislators from different states with a message-board-meets-dating-service interface. Democratic state senator Sarah Anthony from Michigan praises the efficiency of contacting fellow States Project officials for assistance rather than scouring the internet for solutions. Lawmakers can also share their experiences on the platform, allowing others to learn from their successes.
The States Project has proved influential and expects to remain active in state legislatures, especially with abortion rights becoming a prominent issue leading up to the 2024 elections. The spotlight on state politics has grown significantly, catching everyone by surprise. The organization’s founders believe that with their continued support and efforts, Democrats can successfully advance their agenda at the state level.
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