Trickle-down politics has failed. It's time for a new approach — one built on a down ballot strategy at scale, rooted in trickle-up powerbuilding. That means grounding our work in the needs of everyday people, uplifting communities, and building infrastructure to support candidates and democracy at every level.

Local Democracy Project is building a national movement to elect thousands of local leaders, particularly from working-class communities. By investing in down-ballot champions, training organizers, and developing people-powered infrastructure in small to mid-sized towns and battleground districts, we strengthen local leadership and boost state and federal win rates. Through civic engagement programs and initiatives in arts and culture, we equip communities with the skills and networks to shape policy and priorities, fostering a more inclusive, resilient democracy from the ground up.

join the movement

Whether you’re signing up to participate in an upcoming organizer training, donating to support our efforts, or simply staying informed, your involvement matters.

why local democracy project?

Did you know there are over 100,000 local elected offices in the U.S.? Roughly 80% of higher-level officials began in local office—proving local politics is the launchpad to state and national leadership.

For decades, Republicans have invested heavily in winning many of these seats, creating what we call the "Barry Goldwater Effect." Our goal is to reverse that trend by training organizers and investing in working class heroes!

What We Do

  • Recruit and train local leaders — equipping candidates and organizers with the skills to win and govern.

  • Invest in local power — channeling funds directly into targeted local races.

  • Strengthen ecosystems — mapping, connecting, and growing networks of organizations committed to lasting local change.

  • Shift the narrative — using communications and civic art to elevate working-class voices and reframe the importance of local elections.

Paid for by Local Democracy Project. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee.