WASHINGTON, D.C. – In this energized and decisive midterm election, voters sent a clear message: our elected leaders must root out government corruption and address the affordability crisis impacting us all.
Poll after poll found that government corruption and the state of the economy were top issues for voters heading into election day, including an NBC News exit poll that found 90% of voters cited “corruption” as a crucial or major factor in their vote.
A recent poll from the Guardian found that nearly nine out of 10 Americans identified “government corruption”, defined as elected officials putting their own or their donors’ financial interests ahead of the public’s, as a problem. That same poll found that over 75% of voters felt that politicians cared more about self-enrichment than about improving the economy for working people.
For the past several years, we’ve seen corruption scandals, from Trump’s crypto schemes to his lawsuit against the IRS – all while American families are crushed by high grocery bills and housing costs. At the same time, campaign spending from corporations and special interests continues to rise, while many states put up barriers to voting and fair representation that strip away the voices of everyday people even further.
A recent report by Public Citizen found that corporate political spending in the 2026 midterm elections has reached an unprecedented $737.3 million – a 60% increase over the 2024 presidential election, as cryptocurrency companies and Big Tech and businesses tied to AI and data centers put more money into elections. The largest beneficiary was Donald Trump’s Super PAC.
However, not only do a majority of Americans view corruption as a problem, but a recent report from the Brennan Center found they also support policy solutions aimed at combating government corruption, including ending secret or “dark” money in politics, such as an amendment to overturn Citizens United.
Following these developments, Declaration For American Democracy (DFAD) director Christine Wood said it is a moment to galvanize around bold, comprehensive democracy reform:
“We elect leaders to represent our interests, to prioritize the issues impacting their constituents – not for their own self-enrichment or to serve the needs of corporate special interests.
“To make real progress on the issues that would allow our communities to thrive, we must realize bold transformational democracy reform that ensures our elected leaders are beholden to the people, not special interests.”
“That means combating corruption to ensure no person can enrich themselves from their elected office. It means reforming our political system to ensure billions and special interests don’t drown out the voices of the American people. And it means strengthening our freedom to vote and be fairly represented in government.”
“Americans are holding their government accountable and sending a clear message: we need bold systemic change. Now, our elected leaders must get to work delivering on that promise as a top priority this next Congress.”