For the Seventh Consecutive Year, DSPolitical Commits Major Resources to Support Local and State Democratic Campaigns Nationwide

August 18, 2026 / Press Releases

For the Seventh Consecutive Year, DSPolitical Commits Major Resources to Support Local and State Democratic Candidates Target Voters Online

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, DSPolitical has announced the return of its Digital Advertising Grants Program, an initiative helping Democratic campaigns reach the voters who decide elections. Now in its seventh consecutive year, the program will deliver up to $125,000 in digital advertising support to Democratic candidates running for state and local offices across the country. 

DSPolitical is pivoting from the prior cycle, which concentrated efforts in New Jersey and Virginia. This year, DSPolitical is casting a wide net across the electoral map to protect vulnerable chambers, counter opposition majorities, and strengthen the party’s grassroots efforts.

Since 2020, DSPolitical has awarded over $370,000 in in-kind ad grants, helping down-ballot candidates nationwide build effective digital campaigns, overcome funding gaps, and reach voters wherever they’re paying attention online.

Our 2025 Impact: Last year, our grants helped John McAuliff flip a Virginia House seat held by Republicans for 30 years, supported Stacey Carroll to unseat a Republican incumbent in VA HD-64, and powered Katie Brennan’s victory in New Jersey’s 32nd District.

“We’ve seen firsthand what happens when local candidates get the right resources: they flip seats, unseat incumbents, and change who represents their communities,” said Mark Jablonowski, CEO of DSPolitical. “This year, we’re building on that track record by granting $125,000 to make an even bigger impact, helping candidates run the kind of digital advertising campaigns that win races across the country.”

Candidates selected for the 2026 program will receive grants to be used on DSPolitical’s award-winning programmatic platforms. In addition to funding, grantees will gain access to training and strategic guidance from DSPolitical’s expert team. 

Applications are open now and will be accepted until Tuesday, September 1 at 5 PM ET. Selected campaigns will be notified in mid-September.

Interested campaigns can apply here.