As we get closer to November 6, more and more people are talking about the possibility of a “blue wave” – a backlash against President Trump’s election in 2016 and the election of progressive candidates who are committed to overturning his intolerant and bigoted agenda. Over the past few months, voters have turned out in waves to support progressive Democratic candidates in the primaries and special elections, and momentum is building that indicates that the tide of public opinion could carry progressive candidates to victory in November as long as independent and progressive citizens turn out to vote.
But a blue wave won’t happen on its own—it will happen if progressives organize and activate the voters who can help elect candidates in key contests up and down the ballot all across the country.
That’s why People For the American Way’s political programs, including Latinos Vote! and Next Up Victory Fund, are supporting candidates across the country to rebuild political power and create a network of young people, women, people of color, LGBTQ people and progressive candidates running for office nationwide.
Next Up Victory Fund
Next Up Victory Fund helps candidates 40 and under win local and state races ranging from school boards to state representatives and governors. Through financial support, media events, endorsements and connections to PFAW activists, Next Up is helping candidates win key races to help flip state legislatures and build a pipeline of progressive leaders well-positioned for long careers of making positive change in their communities.
Next Up was launched in 2017, with many incredible Next Up-endorsed candidates winning their elections, and 40 candidates winning competitive primaries in 2018. Just recently, Next Up endorsee Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum won his primary in an upset, and he is leading in the polls to be the next governor of Florida and the first African-American governor in the history of the state. Many more candidates now face important general election races.
Latinos Vote!
Since 2012, Latinos Vote! has been creating English and Spanish TV radio and digital ads as well as driving earned media to make sure Latino voters are ready to hold far-right candidates accountable for their extreme agendas on Election Day.
We know how much power the Latino community can have in a close election. In 2016, 27.3 million Latinos were eligible to vote. As GOP leaders spew anti-immigrant and anti-Latino rhetoric, PFAW’s Latinos Vote! campaign has been rallying Latinos to vote in the 2018 midterm elections.
Several times this year, Latinos Vote! ran bilingual ads to mobilize Latino voters in key races across the country.
Federal Endorsements
PFAW’s affiliated political action committee, People For the American Way’s Voters Alliance, also provides resources to help candidates win federal elections.
To learn more about each program and ways to get involved, visit our Up Next Victory Fund and Latinos Vote! pages.