Following the seismic political events of 2016, a wave of new organizations emerged, dedicated to mobilizing talent and invigorating the Democratic movement by channeling their energy into action. These groups, born out of a fervent desire to counter threats to democracy, achieved remarkable successes in recruiting candidates, rallying volunteers from diverse backgrounds, and training campaign staff.
As we find ourselves eight years down the road, the threats to our democracy loom as large, if not larger, than before. The questions that now confront us are stark and sobering: Are we doing enough, and are we doing it as effectively as our counterparts on the right? The resounding answer is no, on both counts.
The urgency of the moment demands a robust and resilient Democratic infrastructure. Yet, as we survey the political landscape, the very organizations that once stood as beacons of hope and progress now find themselves grappling with limited resources and burnout among their ranks. In fact, the chronic underfunding and neglect of so-called talent pipeline organizations, essential for sustaining Democratic victories, raises a troubling possibility: Democrats are inadvertently dismantling the very resistance we sought to build.
New research conducted by Dalberg Advisors and my organization, Arena, sheds light on the extent of the funding gap plaguing Democratic talent pipeline organizations. Despite a surge in new organizations since 2016, the research shows they remain underfunded compared to their Republican counterparts. Notably, when comparing the efforts of the five largest Republican and Democratic talent pipeline organizations, Republicans invest more than four times as much as Democrats in this critical work—$120 million compared to Democrats' $26 million. The single largest Republican organization—the $38M powerhouse Turning Point USA—outspent the top 10 Democratic organizations combined in 2020.
The implications of this funding gap are profound. By prioritizing investments in the recruitment, cultivation, and retention of talent, Republicans have built an army of operatives who are equipped to run modern, sophisticated campaigns and control public narratives, fueling electoral victories up and down the ballot, particularly in races that are ultimately decided in the margins. The right then takes these wins to advance a policy agenda that is oftentimes at odds with the views of the majority of the country, to gerrymander electoral maps, and to lock in supermajorities from state legislatures to the Supreme Court.
The good news, however, is that Democrats can course correct. Despite the challenges we face, we are not powerless to effect change. Now is the time to act boldly and decisively. A mere 1 percent to 2 percent shift in Democratic political dollars towards pipeline work would close the funding gap with Republicans. Additional funding would empower Democratic organizations to not only marshal the talent we need to win in 2024, but to make strategic, long-term investments geared towards building the bench of operatives, staff, candidates, and volunteers that we need to gain and retain enduring Democratic majorities.
As we confront the upcoming election cycle, our political realities must serve as a wake-up call for Democrats to lean in and prioritize the cultivation of the diverse and talented leaders our party and our nation desperately need. With a modest shift in financial priorities—literally pennies on the dollar—Democrats can take the lead in developing a robust and inclusive talent pipeline that aligns with our values and secures victories for years to come.
In the immediate aftermath of the 2016 election, we showed the best of ourselves as a party, marshaling the energy and resources we needed to save our democracy and build a better future. We can't afford to pull back now. If we harness the same energy and passion that fueled Democrats post-2016, and make modest but smart reallocations of political dollars, we can build a movement that not only withstands the challenges of our time, but emerges stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than ever before.
Lauren Baer is the managing partner of Arena, the flagship organization for convening, training, and supporting the next generation of Democratic candidates and campaign staff.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
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