Cleveland endorses groundbreaking plan to curb corporate, dark money in politics
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Russell Cleveland, Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Montana’s First Congressional District, speaks about a constitutional amendment he supports that would eliminate corporate and dark money influence in Montana elections.
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News from Russell Cleveland
ST. REGIS — Russell Cleveland, Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Montana’s First Congressional District, proudly announced on Aug. 14 his full endorsement of the bipartisan Transparent Election Initiative, also known as “The Montana Plan,” a historic constitutional amendment to eliminate corporate and dark money influence in Montana elections.
“The voices of Montana’s everyday citizens must be louder than the hidden workings of corporate coffers. I enthusiastically support this innovative initiative, which empowers the people and re-centers our democracy,” said Cleveland.
About The Montana Plan
This first-in-the-nation proposal — crafted by a bipartisan coalition of former Montana officials and legal scholars — uses the state’s authority over corporate charters to remove politically influential powers from “artificial persons,” i.e., corporations. By refusing to confer the power to make political contributions, Montana effectively bypasses the precedent set by Citizens United and reclaims control of its elections.
Drafted under the Transparent Election Initiative led by former Political Practices Commissioner Jeff Mangan, the measure is slated for Montana’s 2026 ballot following submission of the draft constitutional language on Aug. 1, 2025.
Why Russell Cleveland Supports It
• Restoring Real Democracy: The initiative demands that those exercising political influence do so transparently, ensuring “If a person wants to spend money, then they have to put their name on it.”
• A Bold, Legal Workaround: By redefining corporate powers rather than regulating speech, it sidesteps constitutional obstacles posed by Citizens United.
• Cross-Partisan Momentum: The initiative has drawn support from leaders across the political spectrum — including former Governors Bullock (D) and Racicot (R), and U.S. Senator Jon Tester — setting Montana up as a national model for campaign finance reform.
Russell Cleveland’s Statement
“Montana’s rich democratic heritage deserves more than symbolic gestures. It’s time to act decisively and cut the strings of corporate dark money. I fully endorse The Montana Plan and urge Montanans to support this effort to reclaim the integrity of our elections, no matter what party with which you affiliate.”
Next Steps
• Ballot Qualification Process: The initiative will proceed through Montana’s constitutional amendment process, including legal review and signature gathering, ahead of the 2026 ballot.
About Russell Cleveland - Russell Cleveland is a U.S. Navy Veteran, lifelong Montanan, and historically Independent voter running on the Democratic ticket for the U.S. House of Representatives (MT‑01) in 2026. He champions transparent, fair elections and is committed to empowering Montana’s hardworking families. Financial reform like that described in the Montana Plan is one of Cleveland’s five campaign platform pillars, listed alongside Montana stewardship, youth development, public health, and affordability. To read more about candidate Russell Cleveland, visit his campaign website at: www.russellcleveland.org.
