Who We Support

Here at SNAP, we pride ourselves in supporting candidates that will be true progressive leaders in Washington. It is one thing to vote right on the issues – it is another to stand up against monied interests, make tough decisions, and do what’s right for the American public. Since our founding in 2006, we have supported the most progressive candidates in the closest races around the country. We believe that the skills of our fellows can take a close campaign across the finish line and make sure another progressive is elected to Congress.

Take Joe Courtney’s 2006 race as an example – Courtney upset representative Rob Simmons, defeating him by a mere 83 votes. In the ten weeks our fellows were out in the field, talking to the people of Connecticut’s 2nd district, those fellows connected far more voters than the 83 who decided the election. But it hasn’t been just one race – SNAP Fellows have been in the field in the closest congressional races each year, supporting candidates like Tom Periello, Al Franken, and Mary Jo Kilroy – all of whom were in races decided by less than 1% of the vote.

What We Do

When SNAP Endorses a candidate, we don’t simply cut them a $5,000 check that disappears as fast as a 30-second television ad. Instead, we provide each endorsed candidate with at least two full-time, zero-cost field organizers (SNAP Fellows) for June through August of the election year. A typical team of two SNAP organizers represents and in-kind donation of $5,000 to the endorsed campaign. SNAP provides all Fellows with need-based stipends and thorough training before they are placed on campaigns (we require campaigns to provide the Fellows with supporter housing).

Our endorsements are non-partisan and based on candidates’ positions on a number of issues: economics and tax policy, energy and the environment, choice and reproductive justice, LGBTQ rights, labor issues, and foreign policy. We only endorse in competitive races.

Seeking an Endorsement?

If you are interested in seeking SNAP’s endorsement, please contact executive director Matt Breuer at matthew.breuer@snappac.org to obtain a copy of our 2012 Candidate Questionnaire.