The path to democratic control of congress Runs through california
WHO WE ARE
Battleground California is the state’s only table dedicated to the long-term coordination of grassroots, state, and national efforts within California’s most competitive swing districts. During the 2024 election, we focused our efforts on flipping key congressional seats by mobilizing voters–particularly within Latino, AAPI, and Black communities, as well as young voters, who ultimately decided this election.
OUR Principles
Field organizing is at the heart of any winning strategy in these battleground districts, especially with underfunding of field programs from campaigns and other outside efforts.
Voter mobilization, not just persuasion, is a strategic imperative for winning these races.
Inclusive messaging to uplift all underrepresented communities in the Democratic base.
OUR IMPACT
In 2024, Battleground California coalition members ran competitive organizing programs in six targeted congressional districts, bringing deep community ties and proven voter-mobilization capacity into the presidential cycle. We spoke with hundreds of thousands of voters and held meaningful conversations that influenced key races. Our strategy centered on direct engagement in communities where margins would be tight and turnout among Latino, AAPI, Black, and young voters would decide outcomes.
We invested $4.5 million in a field program of local organizers who knocked on nearly 400,000 doors and contacted more than one million voters by phone and text. We exceeded our goal of identifying 100,000 voters, ultimately identifying nearly 135,000 across the six districts. The results validated our approach: we helped flip three seats and hold one, all by a combined margin of fewer than 12,000 votes.
THE ROAD TO 2026
Winning Democratic control of Congress is urgent. To provide a meaningful check on the Trump administration, we must flip our targeted California House races. Although Proposition 50 reshaped the map, California still offers some of the country’s strongest pickup opportunities—especially in CD-22 and CD-48. Battleground California is expanding its coalitions in both districts, running accountability campaigns against Republican incumbents, and preparing for large-scale general election mobilization efforts.
WHY BGCA?
Majority: These races are central to Democrats retaking the House in 2026 and pushing back against the right-wing agenda.
Infrastructure: California has lacked durable, coordinated progressive infrastructure around congressional races; Battleground California provides sustained partnership for local and national investment
Community Engagement: Traditional campaigns continue to spend millions on television ads while neglecting in-district field organizing. We fund trusted grassroots partners to talk directly with voters, build long-term relationships, and ensure no communities are overlooked.
HOW YOU CAN HELP/DONATE
Creating a lasting impact requires a substantial investment of resources and time. Driving meaningful change and building political power in these districts must extend beyond election days. With so much at stake, now is the time to invest in sustained political mobilization and activation—not just for an election day but for years to come.
