John,

Every year, billionaires and outside groups pour millions into Pennsylvania politics—from gubernatorial races to state house and senate, city council, and even school board elections.

They aren’t looking out for Pennsylvania families or fighting for a democracy that works for everyone. They want policies that protect their wealth, expand their power, and silence the rest of us.

Then, once the elections are over, and the winners show up in Harrisburg to make laws—these big spenders expect a return on investment, just like Elon Musk and the billionaires surrounding Trump.

I know that doesn’t come as a surprise to you, John, as Common Cause Pennsylvania sees it every year. And we all know how this works.

The policies megadonors want passed in exchange for their campaign cash are all about helping their bottom lines. NOT what’s best for everyday people like us.

This is how our own democracy gets rigged against us—not through a single headline-grabbing scandal, but through quiet, day-by-day corruption. But here’s the good news: We’re fighting back.

Common Cause Pennsylvania is on the ground, in the statehouse, and in the halls of power, shining a light on the corruption they hope no one sees. That’s why we’re working to shine a light on dark money in our elections by pushing for stronger disclosure laws that ensure voters know exactly who is funding political campaigns.

In Pennsylvania, we’re advocating for a Dark Money Disclosure bill to require big-money donors and corporate special interests to disclose their spending. We’re also fighting back against the influence of wealthy megadonors by championing reforms that limit corporate influence and empower everyday voters. That’s why we’re supporting a bill to ban corporations that are substantially foreign-influenced from spending in our elections.

John, for over 50 years, Common Cause has been fighting to make our democracy work for the people—not just the powerful few. But we can’t take on billionaires and outside influence without your help.

If we’re going to fight back against Big Money influence in Pennsylvania, we need everyone to do their part. That means staying informed, speaking out, and holding our leaders accountable—because when everyday people show up, we win.

Our democracy belongs to all of us, and together, we can make sure it stays that way.

In solidarity,

Philip Hensley-Robin, Executive Director
and the team at Common Cause Pennsylvania