Wake Up PA!

Joining Wake Up PA is the most powerful, cost-effective way you can help protect democracy – in Pennsylvania and nationally. We are a States Project giving circle that helped achieve a one-person majority in the Pennsylvania state legislature in 2022 and retain that majority in 2024. Donations will help protect and expand this majority (a backstop for democracy), support Democratic candidates in future special elections, and retain expertise and build infrastructure for future state legislative elections.

Our long-term goals: further expand the Pennsylvania state house majority, establish a Democratic majority in the state senate, and increase the number of Pennsylvanians who vote up-ticket for Democratic candidates for state-wide and national office in future elections.

WHY OUR STRATEGIC FOCUS IS CRUCIAL: State legislatures directly affect the quality of life for state residents and has the power to: eradicate or guarantee basic human and civil rights; restrict or ensure environmental, health, gun and workplace safety; and draw (fairly or unfairly) lines for state as well as national legislative districts. Your support for Wake Up PA is an investment in cultivating current and future generations of Democratic leaders: our state legislature is a crucial domain where future generations of national Democratic leaders gain experience, expertise, impact, and visibility.

Our country is at a crossroads as we approach the 2026 midterms. While it may feel like we’re free-falling and the cause is hopeless, we can stand our ground at the state level. This is something we can do. Resistance can start here.

TAKE ACTION!

Our collective giving approach is powerful. When you reach out and involve others, our network grows, donations multiply, and our cumulative impact grows exponentially. Ways to help:

• Donate to Wake Up PA. 100% of the amount raised helps candidates in future regular and special elections in the Pennsylvania state legislature. Your participation and support make a real difference no matter how much you can donate and regardless of whether you live in a red, blue or purple state.
• Invite your network to learn more about Wake Up PA and potentially contribute!
• Host a house party or Zoom information session. Email us at [email protected] to learn more.
• Join our email list and access Wake Up PA’s amazing, entertaining, and informative newsletter archive.

Our potential collective giving impact is HUGE!

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WAKE UP PA & THE STATES PROJECT

Since our giving circle formed in affiliation with The States Project in 2017, we have helped Democrats gain six seats in the PA Senate and 20(!) seats in the PA House, flipping the lower chamber after a dozen years of disastrous Republican control. In 2022, The States Project was the largest contributor to PA house candidates, giving more than 80 times the support of the next largest donor to candidate campaigns.

Since flipping the Pennsylvania house in 2022, Democrats have thwarted Republican plans to amend the state constitution – preventing a permanent ban on reproductive freedom, permanent gerrymandering of the state legislature and the PA Supreme Court, and permanent usurpation of the governor’s authority. The Democratic majority in the PA state House have introduced and passed progressive gun safety legislation, minimum wage increases, paid family and medical leave, expansion of LGBTQ+ protections, and health care services for low-income families. Each of these measures was blocked by the Republican-controlled state senate, which underscores why we need to flip the PA Senate, as well – with your help!

In 2024, Wake Up PA successfully defended Democrats’ 1-vote majority in the Pennsylvania state House, a phenomenal achievement. We must continue our fight to save democracy in Pennsylvania.

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LEARN

1+-min video: >Protecting Our Democracy Means Focusing On States<

4+ min video: >Meet the States Project!<

>Women lag men in political donating. Why giving circles like J. Smith-Cameron’s could help narrow that gap.< CNN May 2024 (featuring quotes from Wake Up PA co-leaders Jessie and Jan)

>News coverage< about The States Project

Reasons for Hope as Democrats Prevent Trump-Led Red Wave in State Races - The Guardian, 11/23/2024

Democrats Find Hope in State Legislative Races - Politico, 11/22/2024

>The States Project’s work in Pennsylvania<

>The States Project’s impact in 20 states from 2020 to 2024<

>How a Little-Known Group Helped Resurgent Democrats Wield Power"< -NYT, 9/25/2023