2025 demanded resilience, introspection, and courage.
On the heels of a devastating electoral loss, the year began with Trump’s return to the White House and a democracy in crisis. Our movement met the moment: fighting fascism in the streets and courts, resisting ICE and the National Guard in our cities, and embracing a culture-first approach to politics that meets voters where they are.
We owe it to our broader community to better understand who the most effective messengers are, what they need to say, and how those messages should be delivered. This work must be collective—engaging key stakeholders and thought leaders to reflect on where we’ve been and what’s possible moving forward. So this year, Higher Ground focused on reimagining the how.
How do we communicate what matters most? How do we do so in the places with the greatest impact? We took on this mission with deep intention. In 2025, we made fewer new investments than ever before. We held our investments because we saw the market shifting with users unsure of their needs. We’re continuing a focus on the evolving and decentralized media landscape, the role of AI in campaigns, and advancing the Higher Ground Institute to support long-term capacity for change.
** In 2025, Higher Ground Labs:
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** 1. Debriefed the 2024 election cycle.
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We co-hosted the 2024 Election Tech Debrief ([link removed]) with 300+ ecosystem leaders, fielded the 2024 Election Tech Survey ([link removed]) on how tech was used on the ground, and released our 2024 Political Tech Landscape Report ([link removed]) —research which has been accessed by 5000+ people. We even hosted a political tech-focused DNC Chair Candidates’ Forum ([link removed]) for 800+ community members.
** 2. Experimented with new technology.
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Our 2024 analysis made it clear: We need a new campaign playbook. That is why we launched the Higher Ground Institute ([link removed]) this year—to create better spaces and avenues for innovation and experimentation. One of HGI’s first initiatives—the Media Innovation Fellowship ([link removed]) —drew 100+ applications, signaling the creativity, urgency, and talent ready to be activated, if resourced. Six inaugural fellows went on to launch projects, test new approaches, and create playbooks for the ecosystem to benefit from ([link removed]) .
We ran public generative AI content trainings for 500+ practitioners and a social chatbot training for ~600. We convened 10+ curated salons with leaders as braintrusts on thorny challenges, ranging from new organizing metrics to organic media targeting. HGL also invested in Oak AI ([link removed]) , a platform that converts social engagement into offline action, filling a gap in creator infrastructure solutions.
** 3. Powered the movement to protect our democracy.
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The HGL portfolio played a critical role in powering resistance response in moments of crisis ([link removed]) to voter contact technologies ([link removed]) shaping how campaigns reach and mobilize voters at scale.
That durability showed up in outcomes, helping deliver meaningful 2025 wins ([link removed]) for campaigns and organizations across the country—and demonstrating what’s possible when tools are built with practitioners and sustainability in mind.
** 4. Cultivated a maturing political tech ecosystem.
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The political tech industry is maturing. HGL supported ~10 strategic mergers and acquisitions ([link removed]) in the portfolio this year—the most M&A activity in our history—reflecting real staying power by combining strengths and building products designed to last. With the evolving state of our infrastructure, HGI’s Progressive CRM Guide ([link removed]) helped ~1000 users from campaigns and organizations think critically about their data systems and tech decisions well in advance of the 2026 midterms.
** Looking Ahead
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We all know that 2025 was challenging, but it also delivered clear wins and a good foundation ([link removed]) —from insurgent campaigns in New York City to disciplined statewide efforts in Virginia and New Jersey to a high-stakes, rapid response Prop 50 in California.
As we head into 2026, we’re focused on building on what worked, continuing to invest in experimentation, and supporting the people who make this work possible. For those thinking about their next steps we’ve pulled together political tech career resources ([link removed]) to support you on your journey.
Thank you to everyone who built, learned, and collaborated with us this year. We hope you’re able to truly rest and recharge this holiday season—and we look forward to continuing this work together in the new year.
—Betsy and the Higher Ground team
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