A Message from Chris

The Path Forward: A Plan to Raise

This moment will be the most difficult time to fundraise since I started as the National Finance Chair for the DNC. It requires a comprehensive plan to refine our successful existing programs and implement new ones, so that we can be competitive in special elections,governor races in 2025, the midterms, and start building the foundation for our war chest in 2028. Here is my playbook to move the DNC forward:

1. Combat Donor Fatigue

The election results were a gut punch to so many, including myself. As a result, just like with any loss, donors of all levels are frustrated that their generous contributions did not translate to victory, and they may be hesitant to give right now, especially after hearing the campaign break fundraising record after record. Our raisers may find it difficult to go back to their networks and generate excitement to support Democrats financially. Understandably, a lot of people want to put their hands over their eyes and ears and tune out the next four years. If we are apathetic, we will not win. We must rely on our activist base and surrogates to rally support during these critical times. It is imperative that the DNC Finance Chair work with the newly-elected DNC Chair to craft a strategy to energize donors – large and small – and encourage them to invest early. 

2. Increase Transparency 

As a party, we need to level with both DNC members and our donors alike and prove we have learned lessons from this loss and will spend money as efficiently and effectively as possible. To raise money, we must first rebuild trust. To do this, I am calling on the DNC to be more transparent, specifically as it relates to the budget. I intend to propose bylaw changes if re-elected to ensure the budget process and subsequent results are far more transparent. 

3. Introduce New Donors into the Fray

Anyone can learn to be a good fundraiser, and it is important that we build an army of raisers, so we can drive in as much money as possible in the coming months and years. It is difficult to find new donors if we do not find new raisers. That is why I want to create and host fundraising training programs for state parties and young Democrats. In the 2024 cycle, the Biden Victory Fund and Harris Victory Fund had an extremely robust National Finance Committee, made up of over 2,500 members. In 2025 and beyond, it is important to match these programs with a bottom-up approach. I would like to see the creation of a DNC network for our most dedicated grassroot fundraisers.  This would be a space to share ideas, conduct trainings, and host nationwide grassroot in-person and virtual fundraisers.

The last election was certainly disappointing, but we do not have the luxury of sitting on the sidelines and waiting until 2028 to raise money for the party. The fight starts now, and we need to drive in money immediately. It will take a great number of us to ensure the DNC has the resources it needs in the coming months and years, and I believe my experience, plans, and openness to new ideas make me the right choice to lead us forward.