A wrap on 2022: Our portfolio’s role in the midterms

Happy holidays! I hope these days are full of joy for you, as you gather with loved ones to celebrate.

I found great hope in the outcome of the midterms this year. The American public stood up for democracy by rejecting some of the most toxic candidates. We rejected Trump's leadership and have fresh, new perspectives paving the way to 2023 and beyond. This election restored some of my faith in the American people, reminding me of what we fight for and why we do this work.

I am so proud of the companies in our portfolio this cycle. They helped the best campaigns run the highest quality programs while tackling some of the greatest operational challenges in politics. From polling to resourcing downballot campaigns, to voter contact to influencer messaging, we continued to learn while winning in the most important places. Check out some of the incredible impact our portfolio companies made this cycle.

2022 has been a crazy year for me personally. As many of you know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July. Jeremy and I welcomed our fourth child into the world in August (Jonah Eli), and I have been going through cancer treatment ever since. While the treatment is ongoing, I am feeling strong and hopeful heading into the new year and am excited to get back to work day to day starting in January.

I am so grateful for my colleagues at Higher Ground Labs and the broader progressive community. You have held my family and me up during this difficult time. Thank you. It is an honor to work alongside you every day.

We have a lot to be proud of this year — and yet there is still so much work to do. The political rhetoric is still toxic. Our democracy is still fragile. Our campaign infrastructure is still sub-par. And our current economic environment makes it hard for any startup to succeed. While the challenges are great, I see more opportunities for collaboration and sustainable innovation than ever before.

So take some time to rest this season — and then let's get back to work. Sending you strength and hope.

—Betsy
Co-founder & Managing Partner, HGL

HGL's portfolio in the 2022 midterm elections: By the numbers

Our portfolio companies generated incredible tech and infrastructure value for the progressive movement this cycle. They worked on advancing the nation’s toughest issues, including reproductive rights, gun reform, and climate change. They helped implement novel campaigning tactics and innovations to target left out voters. Their products, services, and technologies tipped Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Nevada to the left.

With the 2022 midterms now behind us, we’ve highlighted the impact of some of our portfolio companies on this important cycle. Let us build on these successes, insights, and learnings as we pave the way forward to 2024.

See the portfolio's impact

P.S. If you’re looking for work, there are 39 political tech job openings across the HGL portfolio. Apply — or check out this list of political tech career resources.