How We Endorse

Public Wise approaches the endorsement process by first assessing competitive races in our target states. We take seriously races where the winning candidate will have an outsized role in election administration or the enforcement of election laws, especially where fractiousness has the potential to evolve into a constitutional crisis.

Along a distinct but related line of political concern, we look at races where a clear champion of democracy is facing off against an insurrectionist or election denier in a likely close race.

Finally, we look at races in the states in which we already work where there is a specific opportunity to increase elected representation among and for people of color at the level of state or local government. Candidates that motivate the New American Electorate – young voters, voters of color, and rural voters – to participate in our democratic process also rank highly in our consideration. 

To assess candidates, we look at national and state legislation, statements in the public record, and voting history, when applicable. We also speak with partners in these respective states and obtain key information about the candidates’ nuances and relationships with grassroots organizations.