How Phase 1 Reforms Shift Power

Seeing the Success Changes—from no reforms to Full Phase 1

Arizona's Prop 211 Voters' Right to Know Act, passed in 2022, are the most progressive dark money reforms in America. The Citizens Rise Phase 1 reforms are based on AZ Prop 211, with additional legislation to close remaining dark money loopholes.

Here we’ve modeled scenarios—before any reforms and after our full Phase 1 package—to show how much Clean State Firewall, Truth in Political Spending, and Corporate Accountability can transform state elections. Now, we’re calling on every state legislature to follow suit and claim these wins for their own communities.

1. Spending Shares by Donor Type

Stacked bar chart of spending shares by donor type under three scenarios

Key takeaway: With the full Phase 1 reforms in place, dark-money can fall to ~10%, empowering small and local donors to finance real campaigns.

2. Candidate Success Rates

Bar chart showing establishment vs. working-class win percentages under three scenarios

Real-world impact: Under heavy dark-money, establishment candidates win ~75% of races. After Prop 211, grassroots challengers gain ~10 points. Enacting the full Phase 1 reforms adds another ~10-point boost for working-class contenders.

Why This Matters Across the Country

  • Stop Secret Ads: Blocks last-minute, anonymous spending by out-of-state interests.
  • Fuel Grassroots: Small donors gain real clout, powering campaigns with community voices.
  • Fair Contests: Working-class and local candidates get a fair shot—no longer drowned out by hidden billionaires.
  • Voters Represented: Elected officials represent their constituents, not secret agendas of billionaires or corporations.
  • Replicable Model: Each state that passes this package builds momentum for neighbors to follow.
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