Protect democracy where it’s tested most
Attacks on our democracy are on the rise. Since 2020, the U.S. has seen a spike in election denialism, the erosion of voting rights, and increasing efforts to block the certification of fair elections
This dangerous trend won't be reversed by a single election. We need to win in small towns and big cities across the country — building democratic resilience and kicking election deniers out of office.
Our democracy depends on the integrity of local officials, especially when outcomes are close and political pressure is high.
SLEA concentrates research, resources, and relationships in the races where those systems are most vulnerable — and where elections are most winnable. With smart targeting, big victories are possible at low cost. In some races, just $25,000 can tip the scales.
How SLEA operates
Research First
We monitor more than 10,000 election jurisdictions nationwide to identify the offices and officials with outsized influence over election administration.
Every cycle, we produce hundreds of opposition research books on anti-democracy candidates — and we make them available to the public, for free.
At the same time, we do extensive research on pro-democracy candidates — evaluating the strength of their campaigns, the political makeup of their districts, and any potential liabilities. Our endorsements are driven by hard data and the realities of each race, not by partisan politics.
Target Strategically
Using electoral data, legal analysis, and on-the-ground intelligence from local experts and trusted partners, we narrow our targets to races that will play the biggest role in determining control of the White House, Congress, the courts — and the very future of democracy.
Invest Early
The outcome of key state and local races — who runs, who stays out, and who wins — is decided by early, strategic investments.
SLEA supports candidates throughout the life of their campaign, helping them launch campaigns, establish strong field and fundraising operations, and reach the voters who are key persuasion and turnout targets in close elections.
Our approach leads to immediate wins and long-term bench building. During the recruitment phase, support from SLEA gives prospective candidates the confidence to get off the sidelines. When voters see what these candidates have to offer, the sky becomes the limit for what they can achieve — and the elections they can win.
Prepare for the Aftermath
The battle isn't over on Election Day. SLEA plans for, and funds recounts, litigation, and certification defense because we know that protecting democracy is a marathon, not a sprint.
Why this model works
As congressional races become more expensive and courts allow unlimited outside spending, state and local races are receiving little attention and fewer resources. But they’re more important than ever.
By focusing where others do not, partnering strategically, and planning across cycles, SLEA delivers outsized impact in the races that determine if democracy will prevail in 2028 and beyond.
2026 Battlegrounds
This cycle, SLEA is investing in or actively monitoring hundreds of races across key swing states and districts. Take a look at our impact by the numbers:
2026 Wins + Losses: 21 - 5
1,500+ candidates vetted in 19 states
Races currently monitored: 200+
Total research books completed in 2026: 260+
Meet the election deniers we're trying to beat
While the majority of SLEA's work is quiet by design, some of the country's worst election deniers are too heinous to hide. Take a look at three of the candidates we're working to beat this cycle:
BRIDGET THORNE (GA)
Fulton County Commission
Key witness behind Trump's raid of the Fulton County election offices
Banned from working the polls after secretly photographing ballots
Ran a Telegram channel spreading conspiracy theories about the 2020 election
ANNETTE BUDD (CO)
Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder
Former staffer for election denier Lauren Boebert
Opposes early voting and vote-by-mail
Promotes conspiracy theories about the 2020 election
TROY REGAS (NV)
Washoe County Commission
Shares campaign staff with notorious election deniers
Served 5 years in federal prison for cocaine trafficking
Managed a brothel whose owner was later convicted on child pornography charges
Interested in learning more about our work in a particular state? Get in touch.