The Stakes of America’s 2026 Midterm Elections

Five years ago, in the wake of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, America’s civic institutions pledged to do more to defend our system of fair and free elections. Major philanthropies increased their investments in programs that defend democracy. Law firms expanded their pro bono election-protection work. University presidents publicly condemned the effort to thwart the will of American voters. Many of the country’s largest businesses pledged to stop donating to candidates who had tried to overturn an election.Today, our elections are again under attack. But while some institutions have maintained their commitment to defending democracy, far too many have retreated.There are fewer than 100 days until the 2026 nationwide elections. Now is the time for everyone to protect the system of fair and free elections upon which our society and prosperity ultimately depend.Together, the two of us have spent considerable time in all the major sectors of American society: philanthropy, business, academia, and the law. We understand that leaders in these sectors fear government retribution, and understandably so. But with the integrity of our elections under enormous strain—and with government of...