Iowa is shaping up to be a major political battleground in 2026. There is an open governor’s race with a strong Democratic contender, an open U.S. Senate seat, and competitive House seats in play. If Democrats can turn out voters and build on special election gains, Iowa will be in play as a critical battleground across races up and down the ballot.

States Win South Bay will support a candidate in one of the down ballot races. To get their campaign off to a roaring start, we are holding a silent auction. Our candidate will be announced in our May 26 memo. Read on to learn how you can help:

Any contribution you make can have an outsized return on  investment. Bidding for Silent Auction will start June 23 and end on July 18. So, please pitch us your ideas, experience or giftcards by Sunday May 31! 

Join States Win South Bay on Saturdays 12pm - 2pm PT for a hybrid phonebank! You can call in person in Mountain View or call from your home on Zoom. We're making calls to voters in Michigan and Wisconsin to support our candidates Darrin Camilleri, MI-SD4, and Ryan Spaude, WI-AD89.

By phonebanking, we reach thousands of voters in an efficient and impactful way. In 2025, we made 63,000+ phone calls. When we phonebank, we clean up voter contact lists, educate voters about our candidates' positions, and identify voters who'd like to talk with our candidate.

We raised $2025 for Ryan at last Saturday's Bunco Party! Kudos to our hosts Renee and June for coming up with this great idea for a fundraiser! Many thanks to the volunteers who provided all the wonderful food and drinks and helped with setup and cleanup.

What attendees said about the Bunco Party:  “Informative and very enjoyable event. The candidate gave a very good statement by Zoom. The game was really fun--people were laughing as they moved from table to table and changed partners for new rounds.” (Mary)    “Despite being the biggest loser, I had fun. And it was a great way to mingle!” (Greta)

Thanks to all who attended our events the past few weeks for Ryan. Your "Early Money" donations are invaluable to get his campaign off to a great start. So far, we've raised a total of $10,535 and counting! 

Spending time together in joyful ways and using our resources to help elect Democratic candidates is an act of resistance and your generosity will go far to help win Wisconsin back for everyday people. - Donna L

If you haven't already, please consider donating to Ryan's campaign.

Excerpts from an email by Shawn Werner, States Win Organizing and Political Director, with permission:

The past two weeks have been among the hardest I can remember.

When the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act in Callais v. Louisiana, we knew what was coming. And it came fast. Southern state after southern state called emergency legislative sessions to limit Black political power and to strip voices from fellow Americans, all to earn the President's favor.

In Virginia, a state where we have organized since our founding in 2017, … the state Supreme Court overturned citizen-approved redistricting maps. Years of building power suddenly felt like they were for nothing.

This weekend several people asked me about the Ballroom and the reflecting pond. I kept thinking: why aren't more people talking about what's happening in the South? About the redistricting being passed in dark rooms in state capitols? I'll be honest with you: I have felt dejected.

And I know dejection. I know it leads to inaction. And inaction is the only thing that can stop us between now and November.

But I also know you.

What my work at States Win has taught me, what each of you has taught me, is that action and community are the antidote to cruelty. This year we have endorsed more candidates than at any comparable point in our history, and we are on track to support the most candidates in our organization's existence. These aren't just stats. With every dollar you raise and every phone call you make, they know we have their back and they are not alone. They keep fighting because YOU keep fighting.

Our impact matters not only to the candidates but even more so to the constituents they serve.

Yesterday, Governor Spanberger signed Paid Family and Medical Leave into law, a bill championed by States Win Alumna Del. Briana Sewell. While the redistricting setback is real and painful, this victory will directly impact millions of Virginians for generations. We should be genuinely proud of what we have built in Virginia.

The road ahead is hard. I won't pretend it isn't. But when I think about what we have built together, the candidates we have lifted, the laws we have helped pass, the voters who know someone is fighting for them, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. The kind that catches you off guard when you look around and realize the people beside you have given years of their lives to something bigger than themselves. I am so honored to be in this fight with you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. 

Thur, June 4, 7pm PT: South Bay monthly all-member meeting. Meet our Iowa candidate!

Monday, June 29, 2026, 10am: Tai Chi & Self-Defense for Democracy, Cupertino