Billionaires like Elon Musk are trying to buy our democracy—but we’re fighting back, and we’re staying hopeful.

Why? Because from passing one of the strongest anti-disinformation laws in the country (that even Musk is suing to block) to defeating power grabs in Ohio and passing new campaign finance limits in Oregon, our state-level strategy is working.

John,

Elon Musk may be the most egregious example – but as a Common Cause member, you know that billionaires buying unchecked influence in our government has been a serious problem for decades.

After pouring over $290 million into electing Trump and other Republicans, Musk is acting like the CEO of the country—without accountability, ethics rules, or a single vote from the people.[1]

But if you’re looking for hope in the fight against Big Money, and where your actions can make the biggest impact with a dysfunctional Congress, look to the states.

Across the country, Common Cause has been proving for years that organized people can beat organized money where it counts. From blocking billionaire-backed power grabs to passing real reforms that rein in big money, we’re winning state-level fights to protect our democracy:

• California Common Cause led the charge to pass one of the strongest anti-disinformation laws in the country, holding social media companies accountable for election lies, including AI-generated disinformation designed to mislead voters. Musk is so desperate to protect his power that he’s suing to block this law.[2]

• Common Cause Ohio led and won the fight against 2023’s Issue 1 – an out-of-state funded attempt to make it harder for voters to pass pro-democracy ballot measures. With your help, we went all out mobilizing our members and educating the public to defeat it.[3]

• Common Cause Michigan played a key role in implementing Proposal 1, the state’s first-ever financial disclosure law, exposing conflicts of interest and revealing who’s influencing our lawmakers.[4]

• Common Cause North Carolina is taking on extreme gerrymandering and voter suppression pushed by ultra-rich donors trying to keep corporate-backed politicians in power. We’ve already sued to stop these attacks—and we’ll see them in court this summer.[5]

• Common Cause Maryland has been working alongside our allies to expand public campaign financing throughout the state, ensuring more candidates can run without relying on wealthy donors. And we’ve made great progress—by next year, six jurisdictions that make up more than half of Maryland’s registered voters will have fully implemented small donor programs![6]

• Common Cause Oregon made big progress last year, passing the state’s first campaign contribution limits in decades. Once this historic victory is fully implemented, it will significantly scale back the influence of wealthy donors, a big leap forward toward ensuring that Oregon’s government works for the people—not big money interests.[7]

• Common Cause Florida took on big money—and won. We helped defeat a constitutional amendment that tried to gut public campaign financing, protecting a system that enables everyday people—not just the wealthy—to run for office and represent their communities.[8]

• Common Cause Georgia took the fight against dark money to court—suing the FEC in 2022 for failing to enforce campaign finance laws. And guess what? Last year, we finally won! Our case forced the FEC to fine the Georgia Republican Party for illegally coordinating with outside groups.[9]

The bottom line? Billionaires and the ultra-wealthy are trying to buy elections, write the rules, and ensure our government works for them—not for us. But together, we’re proving they can be stopped.

Common Cause has led this fight for decades, and in state after state, we’re winning real victories to rein in big money and protect democracy.

This year, we’re doubling down on our work in the states—working to pass stronger campaign finance laws, hold billionaires accountable, and stop Big Money special interests from rigging the system.

Remember, John: when we organize, we win.

Thank you for staying in this fight with us. It’s because of members like you, I know the best days of our democracy still lie ahead.

In solidarity,

Elena Nunez, Senior Vice President of State Operations
and the team at Common Cause

P.S. We’ve been fighting back against big money in politics for over 50 years—and we’re not stopping now. Consider chipping in to Common Cause Pennsylvania to support the fight in your state >>