Democrats need Black voters — time to campaign and spend accordingly

This year, researchers estimate that overall ad spending by political candidates will hit $9.7 billion by Election Day in November. Yet, grassroots groups in Georgia trying to mobilize voters for the all-important turnout are so strapped for cash that they are pooling resources. Think on that for a moment: Limited financial support for voter organizing in Georgia, of all places, where Black engagement in two runoff elections in 2020 was the key to Democratic control of the Senate.

Political funding habits are hard to break. Donors direct their money to campaigns, parties and candidates, backing the horse they believe should win. But this traditional model, supporting campaigns that often direct millions of dollars into ads, isn’t enough anymore to put candidates over the finish line or — more importantly — effect the long-term legislative changes we seek to strengthen our society.