Restoring Democracy: My Firm Commitment to Getting Money Out of Politics
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As the only independent Democrat running for Congress in Nevada’s 2nd District (NVCD02), I am writing to you at a crucial moment for our democracy. The influence of big money in politics has diminished public trust and skewed our government away from the people’s interests. If elected, I will make it my top priority to champion comprehensive reforms to get money out of politics and restore true representation for Nevadans and all Americans.
Why This Fight Matters
The overwhelming majority of Americans—regardless of party—believe that our political system is broken because special interests and wealthy donors wield far too much power. As noted by progressive scholars like Lawrence Lessig (Harvard Law), Zephyr Teachout (Fordham Law), and the late John Rawls, unchecked campaign contributions undermine the fundamental principles of democracy and equality. Research from the Brennan Center for Justice and Common Cause consistently shows that policy outcomes increasingly reflect the interests of major donors rather than everyday citizens. This is not simply an abstract concern; it has real consequences for healthcare, education, climate action, and economic justice.
Recent Progress and Legislative Champions
Momentum is building in Congress to resolve this crisis. In recent years, multiple important pieces of legislation have been introduced, and I pledge to join and fortify these efforts:
For the People Act (H.R.1 / S.1): A sweeping democracy reform bill co-sponsored by Rep. John Sarbanes, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, and others. It includes provisions for public financing of campaigns, strengthened transparency, and tighter restrictions on foreign and dark money.
DISCLOSE Act: Championed by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. David Cicilline, this act requires full disclosure of all political spending and cracks down on shell companies hiding mega-donors.
Government By the People Act: Introduced by Rep. John Sarbanes, this bill creates a small-donor matching system to strengthen the voices of regular Americans and reduce candidates’ reliance on large donors.
Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act: Supported by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, this act closes loopholes that allow foreign entities to spend money on American elections.
The Honest Ads Act: Cosponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, this legislation brings online political advertising under the same transparency rules as TV and radio.
In addition, progressive leaders like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Elizabeth Warren have been vocal in their calls for strong anti-corruption measures and structural reforms to campaign finance.
The 10 Most Practical Ways to Get Money Out of Politics
Based on the latest scholarship and legislative proposals, here are the ten most practical steps I will fight for in Congress:
Establish Public Financing: Implement small-donor matching or voucher systems so regular citizens can support candidates of their choice.
Mandate Full Transparency: Demand real-time disclosure of all campaign contributions and political spending.
Ban Corporate PAC Money: Prohibit members of Congress from accepting corporate PAC or lobbyist donations.
Close Dark Money Loopholes: Enact the DISCLOSE Act to shine a light on all sources of political spending.
Strengthen FEC Enforcement: Reform and empower the Federal Election Commission to enforce campaign finance laws.
Tighten Restrictions on Super PACs: Limit coordination between campaigns and super PACs.
End Pay-to-Play Politics: Prohibit federal contractors from making political contributions.
Protect Whistleblowers: Guarantee strong protections for those who expose corruption and illegal donations.
Ban Foreign Money: Enact strict prohibitions against foreign involvement in U.S. elections.
Push for a Constitutional Amendment: Work toward overturning Citizens United and other decisions that equate money with speech.
My Pledge to You
Unlike establishment politicians, I am not beholden to corporate donors or party bosses. I am running as an independent Democrat precisely because I believe our democracy must be accountable to the people. If elected, I pledge to:
Sponsor and co-sponsor bold campaign finance reform legislation.
Refuse all corporate PAC and lobbyist money.
Build bipartisan coalitions to rebuild public trust in government.
Work with grassroots movements and advocacy groups to amplify your voices in Washington.
Ending the dominance of money in politics is not a partisan issue—it is a patriotic duty. With your support, we can bring real change to Congress and return power to the people.
In solidarity,
Gamaliel “Gamy” Zavala Enriquez, Independent Democrat,
Candidate for Congress, NVCD02
