The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for May 26, 2026
The redistricting arms race fights in Virginia, California and elsewhere were fueled by hundreds of millions of dollars from Super PACs and hard-to-track dark money groups. Contributions shattered Virginia’s previous record for ballot questions.
Money-in-politics tracker Open Secrets released a report May 13th tallying money spent in Virginia, where supporters and opponents of the April 21st redistricting referendum spent nearly $100 million dollars. The referendum passed, only to be invalidated by the Commonwealth’s supreme court. The pro-redistricting group Virginians for Fair Elections reported receiving $63.2 million dollars, almost all of it from five 501C4 groups which are not required to disclose their donors.
Their opponent, Virginians for Fair Maps Referendum Committee, raised another $24.1 million, 98% of it from its parent, Virginians for Fair Maps, according to Open Secrets.
In California, the combined contributions were over $256 million dollars, with left-leaning groups including House Majority Forward contributing $171 million. The No on Prop 50 Congressional Leadership Fund raised $44 million, including from gaming billionaire donor, Miriam Adelson & banking heir, Timothy Mellon.
We’ve linked to the Open Secrets report at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Open Secrets – The same dark money groups keep turning up in redistricting fights
Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) – Virginia’s 10 Most Expensive Referenda
Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) – Top Political Donors in Virginia
BallotPedia – What were the most expensive ballot measures in California?
California Fair Practices Commission – November 2025 Special Election
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – VA Supreme Court Invalidates Redistricting Referendum for Not Following the Rules for Amendments. It Could Tilt Control of Congress.
American Democracy Minute – Without Comment, the U.S. Supreme Court Allows California Prop 50 Maps. What’s the Next Battle in the Gerrymandering Wars?
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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