Sister District Sacramento grows progressive power & policy by supporting Battleground State Legislative candidates in flippable districts each year. Our goal is to help Democrats hold onto power or take power in states. We help our candidates with fundraising and voter contact (e.g. phonebanking, postcarding). We have a great community, make a real impact, and have fun along the way.

Why We Work in Swing States

April 14, 2025

Sister District Sacramento builds progressive power and policy by supporting candidates in swing states in vulnerable districts each year. Our goal is to help Democrats hold on to power or take power in state legislatures. We help candidates with fundraising and voter contact, by phone banking and postcard writing. Sister District aims to provide the first line of defense for preserving the rights of all individuals by flipping state legislatures to Democratic control by electing progressive representatives who will fight to protect the rights of all the state’s citizens, 

State legislatures have a key role in interpreting and implementing national policies, protecting voter rights and drawing fair district boundaries. Sister District understands that there are many crucial decisions regarding federal policy implementation, election laws and voting access, which are made at the state level and it is critical that these decisions are made by people who represent all citizens.

Sister District supports grassroots organizations in swing states who work year round building political power to elect progressive candidates. The State Bridges program activates Sister District volunteers across the country to fundraise for these grass roots organizations.Together, we can lift each up and work toward building communities, fostering civic awareness, creating political power and momentum to elect progressive representatives.

Sister District Sacramento Editorial Team

State-Level Power, National Impact: Protecting Voting Rights

March 31 2025

Summary

Sister District works to elect progressive state legislators, particularly in swing states. However, it isn’t clear to everyone how this can affect them here in California.

While state legislators don't directly craft federal laws, they play a crucial role in shaping national elections by controlling redistricting, voter ID laws, and other forms of voter suppression.

Voter suppression has contributed to reduced electoral competitiveness, increased political polarization, and intensified legislative gridlock. By flipping state legislatures to Democratic control by representatives who will fight for voter rights, Sister District aims to provide the first line of defense for preserving voting access and representation.

However, achieving these goals requires the support of people who care about fair elections. Donations, volunteer hours, and actions all contribute to creating a more accessible, equitable voting system for everyone.

How State Legislators Shape National Elections:

State legislators can influence the ballot box on a national scale. Let’s look at two ways they can: Redistricting and Voter ID.

Redistricting

Every ten years, following the U.S. Census, state legislatures redraw district boundaries. When a party dominates, district lines can be drawn to either concentrate opposing voters into a few districts (packing) or spread them across many districts (cracking) and dilute the opposition’s voting power. This is known as gerrymandering, a method of voter suppression that is almost as old as American politics itself.

Gerrymandering has had a significant impact on national politics. The practice allows for safe, gerrymandered districts in battleground states, reduced competition, weakening voters' influence, decreasing engagement, and increasing partisan polarization by creating fewer swing districts. It allows one party to maintain control of the House of Representatives, even when national votes are more competitive. It allows politicians to cater to their party’s extremes, resulting in gridlock, and making bipartisan compromise nearly impossible.

Voter ID

With the potential passing of the Securing America’s Voting Elections Act (SAVE Act), and its vague provisions, state legislatures would be granted broad latitude to interpret those provisions. From the ability to determine how mail-in ballots are processed, when early voting occurs, and which forms of voter ID are acceptable, state legislators would make the call. One particularly concerning impact of SAVE’s voter ID provisions is how it could disproportionately affect women—especially those who have changed their names after marriage. Under SAVE, women who have changed their names may be required to provide extra documentation—such as marriage certificates or proof of a legal name change—to verify their identity. This additional step not only places an undue burden on women but also introduces a risk that their votes could be challenged or invalidated simply due to the mismatch between their ID and voter registration. However, what is actually required would be a decision made at the state level.

Protecting Voters

Sister District is dedicated to electing state legislators who will actively fight for voting rights, protect against voter suppression, and work toward passing laws that make it easier for all Americans to vote. By focusing on state-level elections, Sister District understands that many crucial decisions regarding voting access and election laws are made at the state level, where gerrymandering, voter ID laws, and restrictions on early or mail-in voting can be influenced and changed. The organization is committed to ensuring there are state legislators in place who will advocate for policies to expand, rather than restrict, access to the polls.

But achieving these goals requires your help. Your support can directly contribute to helping elect the right candidates who will stand up for fair and inclusive elections. Together, we can break down barriers to voting and ensure every voice has a chance to be heard in our democracy. Every donation, volunteer hour, or action taken helps strengthen the movement for a more equitable and accessible voting system for all Americans. Without your involvement, these critical changes will not happen. Please, join us in the fight to protect and expand voting rights for everyone.

BY: Sister District Sacramento Editorial Team

Building Bridges For Progressive Power

Feb 2025

The State Bridges program activates Sister District volunteers across the country to fundraise for organizations leading year-round power-building work. Collectively, we can lift each other up and work toward building progressive momentum in future state elections.

We know that progressive victories are possible when we support local power-building organizations and the activists that lead them. This type of work is so important because it helps foster civic engagement that translates into voter participation. Year-round organizing helps people connect the dots between the issues they care about and the importance of building political power.

That way, when a candidate or campaign comes by asking someone to vote, the voter already feels connected to civic life. They do not have to be persuaded to participate just weeks out from an election, because they already understand their role in building political power and how to wield it in ways that benefit their lives.

The State Bridges program creates a way for the Sister District community to fundraise for select partner organizations doing this work in critical swing states.

The strategy is clear

With greater resources, our partner organizations on the ground can do more, which will lay the groundwork for our candidates to win on Election Day and to build progressive power in the long term. By building progressive power in state legislatures, we can take decisive actions to combat voter suppression, protect reproductive rights, enact justice reforms, and abolish the death penalty.

This year, Sister District will hold three virtual fundraisers to support nine State Bridges partners. Each event will be hosted by Sister District volunteer teams and feature special guests from our partner organizations. The interaction during State Bridges events gives us an opportunity to learn more about what’s happening on the ground in these critical states. Check out the recordings of our past State Bridges events below!

How do we choose the organizations we support?

We evaluate organizations for inclusion in our State Bridges program in consultation with leaders and activists on the ground. To be featured in this program, organizations must be organizing year round in a Sister District target state. We prioritize organizations that organize and advocate at the state legislative level, and that are led by Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), women and/or young people.

While the State Bridges program partners with a select few organizations every year, our Affiliates program is always looking for progressive organizations interested in supporting Sister District’s progressive candidates. 

BY: Sister District HQ

Empowering Grassroots Change: 2024 State Bridges Impact Stories

July 2024

Grassroots organizations emerge as the linchpin in shaping policies, exerting influence over elections, and amplifying the often-overlooked voices within our communities. In 2021, Sister District launched the State Bridges Program knowing that the electoral gains we work so hard to achieve are possible in no small part because of the year-round efforts of local grassroots operations, often led by people of color, that center the voices of those most impacted by state policies. Since the program’s launch, Sister District volunteers and donors have directed over $775,000 in giving to impactful state-based organizations engaged in year-round progressive power building in key battleground states. 2024 has been a record-breaking fundraising year: we’ve raised more money than any other year since the program’s inception.

In 2024, the State Bridges Program supported 8 grassroots organizations who are building sustained progressive power across 4 critical states: Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In this blog post, we highlight achievements, testimonials, and goals of the partners we supported this year.

Arizona: Living United For Change In Arizona (LUCHA) – Donate Here

• LUCHA has knocked on 47,739 doors in Arizona, made 69,190 attempts, and registered approximately 10,000 voters so far in 2024.

• Sister District fundraising supports LUCHA’s goals, including driving electoral victories, passing a state constitutional right to abortion, and defeating HCR 2060, which threatens mass deportations and increased immigration enforcement.

• LUCHA aims to knock on 1 million doors, register 31,000 voters, pass a budget without cuts to essential services, and defeat harmful tax, revenue, and democracy legislation while advancing proactive policies.

Arizona: Rural Arizona Action (RAZA) – Donate Here

• RAZA has registered over 10,000 voters in rural counties (goal: 13,000), knocked on 15,000 doors in Yuma County to support the Governor’s budget, and pushed back on the anti-immigrant bill HRC 2060and the 1864 abortion ban.

• Sister District fundraising helped RAZA hire an organizer focused on Congressional District 6.

• RAZA’s 2024 goals include winning top-ticket races (e.g., Gallego for Senate), gaining a state trifecta, winning downballot seats, and securing State House seats in LD-17 and LD-23 while protecting the seat in LD-16.

Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Stands Up – Donate Here

• Pennsylvania Stands Up has focused on member democracy and base building, held retreats and power mapping sessions on climate and housing, and mobilized their base with 2,804 volunteer hours, participation from 620 contacts, and 84 leaders trained.

• Sister District fundraising enabled Pennsylvania Stands Up to hire a distributed organizer to recruit volunteers, train leaders, run joint deep canvass phone banks, and expand strategically beyond their existing areas.

• Pennsylvania Stands Up’s 2024 goals include flipping 3 PA State House seats, training 140 leaders to run phone banks and canvasses, recruiting 2025 municipal candidates, and connecting voters with IRA benefits.

Pennsylvania: PA United – Donate Here

• PA United has made 54,118 door knocks, 83,081 phone calls, registered over 400 voters in underrepresented communities, and contributed to re-electing Congresswoman Summer Lee in the primary.

• Sister District fundraising helped PA United expand their field infrastructure, building a team of canvassers to reach nearly 20 communities of 10k-20k voters in small cities and towns across Western and Central PA who won’t be reached by any other field program this year.

• PA United’s 2024 goals include re-electing President Biden by knocking nearly 750,000 doors and making over 500,000 phone calls, maintaining or expanding the Democratic majority in the State House, stopping the expansion of private school vouchers, and passing $50 million in renewed funding for the Whole Home Repairs program.

BY: Sister District HQ

January 28, 2025

Activists in California Deliver a Strong Message

Please read the excellent article on the efforts in California to ensure that the Governor and State Legislature stand strong against the upcoming Trump administration.

Read the full article at: https://grassrootsconnector.substack.com/p/activists-in-california-deliver-a 

BY: Sister District Sacramento Editorial Team

December 16, 2024

Why Sister District's Work is so important 

Post election analysis by the Brennan Center confirms the importance of the Sister District strategy.  Four key takeaways are:

• Competition Was Scarce, But Enough to Keep the Outcome Uncertain

• Post-2022 Gerrymanders Gave Republicans the Majority

• Fair Maps Kept Democrats Close

• The South Is More Pivotal than Ever for Republicans

Read the full article at:

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/how-gerrymandering-and-fair-maps-affected-battle-house

BY: Sister District Sacramento Editorial Team

September 16, 2024

Announcing our NEW Candidate: 

Dante Pittman of North Carolina! 

We’re excited to be joining Dante Pittman’s race for these final 50 days of fundraising, in the most flippable battleground state in the nation. (Biden only lost by 70k votes in 2020). Of all of Sister District’s endorsed candidates in 11 states, Dante is the one who could use our help the most!  

You may have heard about the weird (more like frightening) statements made by the GOP Gubernatorial candidate, Mark Robinson. Well, if the Democratic Gubernatorial candidate, Josh Stein, wins (polls allege he is ahead by 9 points), we’ll need Dante in his seat so Stein has veto power. Flipping Dante’s seat will end the GOP’s Supermajority, which means they would no longer have the votes to override the Governor’s veto. And we need to stop the GOP Project 2025 extremism that is happening at our state level.

Supporting Dante and getting his name out to his voters is critical to prevent Down Ballot roll-off! Research by Gaby Goldstein, a Sister District Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, revealed, Democrats vote Down Ballot only 20% of the time; they don't vote if they don't know the candidate. If Democrats had voted down ballot 2% more in 2020, we would have flipped 14 more chambers in 9 states. That’s why supporting Dante is so critical! 

As Gaby Goldstein says, “It’s Margin of Effort, not Margin of Error.”

Learn More About Dante

Donate to Dante Here

BY: Sister District Sacramento Editorial Team

September 2, 2024

YOUTH VOTER TURNOUT

There are several articles online regarding young voters and their level of engagement in the political process. One site, CIRCLE, Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, provides data that dispels these common, media perpetuated myths:

• Young people are apathetic: Civic and political engagement is strong and growing, especially among young women.

• Youth voting has been low for decades: Youth voter turnout has steadily increased.

• Young people choose not to vote: They are less prepared, undervalued, and face barriers to voting.

A published NPR interview with the Gen Zer's who voted in the 2020 midterms supports CIRCLE's findings. Just half of the young voters say they were confident about every race on the ballot. To reach Gen Z voters, Democrats need meet them on their own turf:  YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook. 

CIRCLE's message? “Young people care deeply about their communities, about issues, about their peers, and about achieving social change. If that commitment doesn't always translate to huge voter turnout says more about the barriers to youth electoral participation, and about the messages we do and don't send youth about their role in the political process.”

BY: Sue Tabadisto, Newsletter Editor

August 19, 2024

AZ Republican Mayor Endorses Harris/Walz!!

Democrats are not the only one's energized by the Harris/Walz candidacy! Some evangelicals are abandoning Trump as well as some centrist Republicans. In races where every vote matters our candidates, Kevin Volk and Lorena Austin, can now focus on the undecided voters as well as the Democrats. The more doors knocked, the more postcards written, and more contributions for media coverage equals more seats flipped blue!

Speaking before the Harris/Walz rally in Arizona, lifelong Republican Mayor John Giles rails against the MAGA extremists who've taken over the GOP and are driving centrist Republicans away. 

GIles explains why he supports the Democratic ticket in an AZPBS interview. “I have some genuine enthusiasm for Vice President Harris and also Governor Walz,” he said. “I’m convinced the top of her agenda is doing what’s in the best interest of the United States.”

While he doesn't agree with all of Harris' policies, he cites the beneficial legislation passed by the Biden administration: the CHIPS Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Core social issues he disagrees with are abortion on demand and open border policies. He does blame Trump for stopping the bipartisan immigration reform act.

“I honestly think I need to do this as my role as mayor,” Giles said. “I need to be an advocate for what’s in the best interest of my city and I think a second Trump presidency would not be good for my community.”

BY: Sue Tabadisto, Newsletter Editor

August 5, 2024

Why Support Arizona? Why Support Lorena Austin?

Because We're Connected!

California offers sanctuary for individuals AZ Republicans want to deny exist; the LGBTQ+ and trans youths. And their fiercest champion is AZ Rep Lorena Austin. SD Sacramento is going to help secure their second term in office!!

Arizona Republicans introduced thirteen bills regarding the LGBTQ+ rights in the 2024 legislative session. Most failed but one, SB 1628 passed. Known as the "Arizona Women's Bill of Rights," the bill only refers to the use of the terms "gender" vs the term "sex."  The term "Gender" would be stricken from Arizona law and replaced with the term "sex;" which recognizes one's biological sex at birth. 

A recent article in the Copper Courier by Journalist Alyssa Bickle  addresses the possible ramification  of SB 1628 including:  

• Housing transgender people in places inconsistent with their gender including prisons, domestic violence and rape crisis centers, and college dormitories. 

• Federal funding for schools, domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers could be withheld.

• Transgender individuals would be unable to update their identity documents, i.e. driver's and marriage licenses, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination and abuse.

We can stop the AZ Republicans who have vowed to “erase” the LGBTQ+ community and ban abortions! 

Join Rep Austin's fight for LGBTQ+ rights, as well as women's reproductive rights in Arizona! Let's get Rep Austin reelected and flip Arizona blue!!

BY: Sue Tabadisto, Newsletter Editor

July 22, 2024

Forward, Always Forward!

July 8, 2024

Lorena Austin:

A Powerhouse in the Arizona House of Representatives!

Lorena Austin (they/she), elected to the AZ State House of Representatives in 2022, is living proof that Sister District supports dedicated, hard-working Democrats that fight for their communities and our democracy!

In their short 2 year term they sponsored 25 bills including:

• Protection for election workers.

• School funding, community college scholarships &  the AZ Empowerment Scholarship Program.

• Healthcare access for low-income residents including some qualified non-citizen.

• LGBTQ+ rights.

• Liquor license regulations in areas around reservations.

• Transportation safety.

All but two bills (HR 2677 & HR 2567) died in the Republican-led Senate! HR  2677 repealed the criminal statute prohibiting abortion-related conduct not necessary to save the life of the mother; HR 2567 implemented funding for ovarian cancer awareness license plate.

Lorena scored an A+ by The National Climate Scorecard! 

Not surprising, the Arizona Legislative Scorecard, the far-right John Birch Society, noted Lorena voted no on 33% of the votes reviewed including voting against a bill that puts Arizona's gun control laws over federal laws, and a call for decreasing or stopping many federal programs including Medicaid.

Click here for more information about Lorena and a brief video in which they express their thanks for SD's continued support. 

BY: Sue Tabadisto, Newsletter Editor

June 24, 2024

Republicans Ignore What Arizona Voters Want: 

Air Pollution & Climate Change Policies!

According to Arizona Public Radio, a new poll conducted by the American Lung Association found that 83% of respondents consider air pollution a serious problem. The association's 2023 "State of the Air" report found that 84% of Arizona residents live in communities that have failing grades for air pollution. 7 of 10 people say they've seen the impact of climate change on the Southwest and want policymakers to do more, including policies to encourage the switch to zero-emission vehicles and increase use of renewable energy. 

 A recent article published in azcentral reveals just how far some MAGA Republicans will go to block any progress to combating climate change, even in the face of record- breaking temperatures and record breaking heat-related deaths.

 Yet, SB 1195, titled "Public monies, prohibited uses" includes provisions that could prohibit Arizona Universities from developing climate action plans or related research, limit schools from encouraging students to bike to school and reducing greenhouse emissions to name a few. 

 The bill doesn't stop there! It includes language about "Furthering Marxist Ideologies including stakeholder capitalism, " and opens the door to a barrage of lawsuits as "Any person who is a qualified elector of this state has standing in any court of record to bring suit against any public entity..." 

Senator Kern introduced this bill; the one who turned his back on Gov Hobbs. He was present in Washington D.C. on January 6 and is one of 18 indicted in the Arizona fake electors case and is now running for US State Senate!

BY: Sue Tabadisto, Newsletter Editor

June 10, 2024

Our candidate, Kevin Volk, takes a stand on Reforming Arizona's School Voucher System!

“No academic accountability. No financial transparency. No student safety measures,” Bethany Little, managing principal at EducationCounsel, a consulting firm, said at the debate (at the American Enterprise institute in Washington, D.C.) 

Ignoring voter opposition, in 2022 Arizona's Republican legislators expanded the states school voucher system to give anyone, regardless of income, on average, $7,200 per student, deposited directly into the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts  (ESA). If the student transfers out of a public school, the money goes along. If the student was in a private school, the voucher is a new cost to the state. When the program went into effect in September 2022, 75% of students receiving ESA vouchers had never been in a public school. By June, about 50% of the students continued to have no public school history.

In an article published in the AZ Mirror, Gov Hobbs discusses the problems with, and the reforms needed to fix Arizona's school voucher system which is projected to cost the state $1 billion, a major factor in the state's growing budget shortfall. With no accountability, the money has been used for ski passes and piano purchases! 

Gov. Hobbs' plans to overhaul the voucher system include measures to increase program accountability, tighter screening criteria for private school teachers, and accommodations and resources for students with disabilities according to their Individualized Learning Plans.

But revisions to the voucher program are dead on arrival with the current Republican-majority legislators!

                             More than ever,  Arizona students need Kevin Volk!!

 Go to Save Our Schools Arizona for more information about the AZ voucher system.

BY: Sue Tabadisto, Newsletter Editor

May 27, 2024

Why Does Arizona Need Kevin Volk?

Because Trump Needs Arizona!!

"The Arizona Freedom Caucus is part of a coordinated national effort that already includes six other states and could include as many as 25 by 2023, according to Andy Roth, president of the groups' parent organization, the State Freedom Caucus Network." (Axios Phoenix)

“Two Freedom Caucus members and McCarthy critics stand out among their colleagues for their active efforts to support Trump’s efforts: Perry (Rep Scott Perry, R-Pa) and Gosar (Paul Gosar, R-Ariz). Witnesses described Gosar as one of the most ubiquitous players.” Politico

Kevin's Win Will Help Block MAGA Republicans!

Kevin Volk's seat in the Arizona House of Representatives is vital to help block the AZ Freedom Caucus members who are his opponents: Incumbents Rachel Jones and Cory McGarr. 

"Entirely Republican, the Arizona group of largely “MAGA” lawmakers has members in both chambers and aims to oppose Hobbs already over an anti-discrimination executive order and what it considers other “radical” positions she champions like maintaining abortion access (Arizona Capitol Times)

Kevin's Endorsements: Organizations Supporting Democratic Values A Candidate's Ability to Raise Money Attracts Endorsements

Organizations, just like individuals, invest money in a politician they believe in. In this case, it's Kevin Volk who has the following endorsements:

• Climate Cabinet

• Iron Workers Local 75

• National Organization for Women 

• Save Our Schools AZ (AZSOS) - one of the biggest pro-public educational advocacy groups in Arizona

• Sister District Project

Find Information on Kevin's Opponents at VoteSmart

BY: Sue Tabadisto, Newsletter Editor