A group of Democratic strategists has launched a new super PAC called Democracy Defenders, focused on supporting the party’s legal efforts around election protection and potential battles that could come after Election Day. The group, chaired by Jim Messina and including long-time Democratic attorney Norm Eisen, anticipates that former President Donald Trump and his allies will once again try to undermine confidence in the election and challenge results in court. TJ Ducklo, who worked for President Joe Biden, will serve as the PAC’s chief strategist, and Allegra Lawrence-Hardy will be the chief legal advisor.
The group plans to work in coordination with state parties and other allies to confront what it calls an “unprecedented assault” from Trump and his allies on the right to vote. They aim to ensure that every American can cast their vote with confidence and without interference. The PAC will begin with an initial $10 million budget for legal work and public messaging efforts, with plans to raise additional funding through the fall. This will allow Democratic leaders and campaigns to prioritize resources for turning out and persuading voters, particularly through paid media.
Democrats are motivated by the fear that Republicans are more prepared than they were four years ago to take legal action before, during, and after voting to challenge results. The threat to American democracy has only grown more intense since Trump encouraged a violent mob to stop the peaceful transfer of power nearly four years ago. The PAC plans to lead efforts after Election Day to counter “bad actors” who would cast doubt on the results, and will continue post-Inauguration Day to support small-D democratic initiatives.
Democracy Defenders aims to support the party’s legal efforts around election protection by providing resources directly to state parties and allies on the ground. They are determined to make sure that all Americans have the opportunity to vote without interference and with confidence. The PAC’s work will include legal work and public messaging efforts, with plans to raise additional funding through the fall. This will enable Democratic leaders and campaigns to focus on turning out and persuading voters, particularly through paid media.
The group’s efforts are a response to the increasing threat to American democracy posed by Trump and his allies, who are working to undermine the fundamental right to vote and have votes counted fairly. The PAC officials are prepared to counter attempts to challenge election results, both before and after Inauguration Day. They also plan to support small-D democratic initiatives in an ongoing effort to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to participate in free and fair elections.
Overall, Democracy Defenders is launching in response to the growing threat posed by Trump and his allies to the fundamental right to vote and the integrity of the electoral process. The group aims to support legal efforts around election protection and potential battles that may arise after Election Day by providing resources to state parties and allies on the ground. With an initial budget of $10 million for legal work and public messaging efforts, the PAC plans to raise additional funding through the fall to enable Democratic leaders and campaigns to focus on turning out and persuading voters.
