Justice Democrats

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In 2023, Justice Democrats candidates were the first members of Congress to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. As a result, they were targeted by an unprecedented $100 million from Republican megadonor-funded groups like AIPAC in the 2024 election cycle.

The Challenge

Like many campaigns and organizations during 2023, Justice Democrats experienced a significant slump in online fundraising. We needed to ensure Justice Democrats raised enough resources to re-elect their incumbents in the 2024 elections and protect the progressive bloc in the face of their biggest threat yet.

The Approach

Generated rapid response content across digital verticals during big political moments

We created a robust rapid response program involving emails, peer-to-peer texts, and ads around moments such as:

when Rashida Tlaib was censured by Congress
when a CNN pundit attacked Ilhan Omar
when AIPAC launched attack ads against Summer Lee and Jamaal Bowman

Launched the Reject AIPAC campaign to unite progressive organizations

Justice Democrats organized a coalition of more than 20 groups to shine a light on AIPAC’s harmful influence on U.S. elections and policy-making.

Our joint action with coalition partners generated more than 48,000 petition signatures and 10,000 new-to-list names for Justice Democrats at no cost.

Led the Protect the Squad campaign to raise $100,000 for the 5 most vulnerable Squad members before their primaries

In just three weeks, we worked with 10 other progressive organizations to raise $100,000 for Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman, Summer Lee, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib.

Justice Democrats alone raised more than $105,000 for these candidates during that time, with more than $130k raised across the coalition.

Over $2M

raised for Justice Democrats + $474k raised for allied campaigns

Reinvigorated grassroots fundraising

Between October 2023 and May 2024, we helped Justice Democrats raise over $2 million (over 3 times more than the previous eight-month period) from 78,748 online donations, with an average contribution of $26.29, in addition to $474,000 raised directly for their endorsed candidates and partner organizations.

+300%

growth in active email list over 8 months

Drove rapid list growth

Between October 2023 and May 2024, we grew Justice Democrats’ active email list by more than 450,000 names through organic and paid acquisition, as well as reactivation.

34%

increase in monthly recurring donations

Rebuilt a recurring donor base

After a decline in monthly recurring donations during the initial 2023 fundraising slump, our increased fundraising led to a 34% growth in pledged recurring gifts from October 2023 to May 2024.

Over $110K

raised over text

Launched a peer-to-peer texting program

Starting in November, we increased our use of peer-to-peer texts and created a texting strategy that led to over $110K raised in seven months, and an overall ROI of over 400%, turning texting into a strong source of fundraising for Justice Democrats.

The Impact

As a result of our work, Justice Democrats saw their best online fundraising results since December 2020. Not only did they see a recovery in their own grassroots fundraising, but they also raised significant resources for their endorsed candidates facing tough re-election fights.

Justice Democrats may not have as much money as groups like AIPAC that take contributions from Trump-aligned corporate interests and GOP mega-donors, but they have people power. We demonstrated that people power can lead to meaningful results.

Testimonial

Middle Seat has been an invaluable partner for Justice Democrats during one of the most pivotal moments in our movement’s history. Their expertise across email, ads, and texting was critical for our fundraising efforts and rallying our grassroots supporters when we needed them most. They not only helped us raise over $2 million for our organization, they also helped us raise almost $475k directly into our candidates’ campaigns so we could fight back against powerful corporate interests like AIPAC this cycle. Together, we were able to stand up to corporate super PACs and prove that people power can drive real change.
Alexandra Rojas, Executive Director, Justice Democrats