American Voters Deliver ‘Resounding, Historic Triumph’ For Democracy in Rebuke of Corruption and Rejection of Authoritarianism
November 4, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following are statements from Democracy Defenders Action leadership regarding the historic election results that turned over control of Congress in a decisive rebuke of corruption and defense of democracy:
“Last night America rejected the Trump administration’s platform of corruption and cronyism. Today begins a new day, and a historic opportunity for Congress to undertake vigorous oversight and accountability in pursuit of a pro-ethics and pro-democracy legislative mandate.” — Virginia Canter, chief counsel and director of ethics and anti-corruption.
“Last night made one thing clear: Ordinary people will not bow to the wealthy and powerful or let them drag us backward. This administration attacked voting rights, targeted Black and brown communities, and backed partisan maps designed to silence voters. They counted on eleventh-hour chaotic legal maneuvers and exhaustion to rig the outcome in their favor. Instead, people organized, showed up and cast their votes. The fight to ensure our nation lives up to the promise of a representative, multiracial democracy is far from over. But on Election Day, the American people reminded those seeking to turn back the clock who this democracy belongs to.” — Tianna Mays, legal director.
“In the face of an alarming litany of maneuvers coordinated within the federal government to interfere with and control the outcome of the election, a broad and powerful democracy defense coalition came together to fight back, protect our elections and ensure the people’s votes were counted. Through intensive planning and preparation, the incredible pro-democracy coalition we helped build was ready for every tactic the Trump administration deployed to try to subvert our elections and cling to power, from sowing disinformation about voter eligibility, to trying to seize ballots, to trying to shut down mail in voting. We shut down each and every one of these tactics. The collective work of advocacy groups, organizers, elected officials, state parties and thousands of volunteer lawyers nationwide to fight back and mobilize voters was historic, and in the end showed that our movement is too big to rig.” — Sarah Jackel, chief operating officer and general counsel.
“This election was a repudiation of Donald Trump, of his corruption and of his march toward autocracy. From Hungary to Serbia and Brazil, voters across the world in 2026 rose up against strong men and corruption, and showed what democratic resilience looks like. Now, the American people have sent Trump the same message. From Texas to Kansas to Maine, voters looked at a president who has done more harm to democracy and the rule of law than any in the modern era, and at the Republicans who enabled him, and they decided enough is enough. In the 250th year of our democracy, Americans demanded a government that answers to them, not to Donald Trump and his billionaire friends. Now our elected leaders must deliver on the people’s mandate. We will do our part to hold this administration accountable, root out the corruption and make sure our leaders get back to work for the people.” — Susan Corke, executive director.
“The American people delivered a resounding, historic triumph for our democracy. Voters turned out, election officials did their jobs and the courts held the line. Now, our country has an unmistakable mandate to restore and uphold the rule of law and rein in the brazen corruption that’s been unleashed by this administration.” — Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.), co-founder and board member.
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Democracy Defenders Action brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state, and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.
For media inquiries, contact, press@democracydefenders.org.
