Platform

Matt Hughes is running for DNC Treasurer with a reformist mindset. As our DNC Treasurer, Matt will ensure that our party is committed to reforms on accountability and transparency. Too often DNC Members feel managed rather than treated as members of the governing body for a major political party, including regarding the finances of our party. As a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) and nonprofit CFO, Matt has the skills and experience to implement the four big ideas down below.

Grassroots Democrats entrust us with their hard-earned dollars to defend our democracy. It’s essential that we provide clarity to DNC members on how funds are raised and spent. As DNC Treasurer, Matt pledges to:

• Advocate for the Finance and Budget Committee to be composed of at least 75% by elected members of the DNC
• Hold open budget listening sessions with DNC members during formation of the DNC's budget
• Work to codify the responsibilities of the DNC Treasurer and the DNC budget process in the DNC's Charter and Bylaws
• Provide quarterly budget-to-actual reports to DNC members and the annual report required by the DNC's Charter and Bylaws, so that every DNC member can understand our financial health and organizational priorities 

Campaigns require funding, but alarmist appeals for donations can undermine trust. We need a budget model that prioritizes grassroots donors, fosters sustainable monthly revenue, and strategically invests in races at all levels - from local elections to the White House - building a strong pipeline of Democratic leaders for the future. Additionally, we need to change our assumptions when it comes to budgeting. As DNC Treasurer, Matt pledges to:

• Implement contingency planning in our budgets
• Conduct multi-year budget projections
• Match the budget with the actual structure of the DNC
• Consider additional ways to diversify funding sources and what specific revenue sources will fund specific budget expenditures

Our state parties, as well as the DNC’s caucuses and councils, are the backbone of the party, working tirelessly year-round before the first vote is ever cast. By significantly investing in all 57 state parties and our DNC caucuses and councils, we can create a robust infrastructure that supports our mission for the next decade. As DNC Treasurer, Matt pledges to:

• Advocate for robust funding for state parties, regardless of battleground status and including DC, territorial parties, and Democrats Abroad
• Support initiatives to invest in year-round organizing, voter registration, and standing up voter protection programs in the states
• Budget for caucus and council operations, including relational organizing and outreach
• Consider how the DNC can work with state and local parties to elect candidates for statewide, county, and municipal office

We must evaluate our vendor contracts based on performance if we are to innovate and win. By diversifying our vendor network, we can prioritize diverse partnerships - working with women-owned, minority-owned, queer-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. Additionally, we must support our staff to aid in their transitions after election cycles as our people resources are our most precious. As DNC Treasurer, Matt pledges to:

• Work with staff to audit existing contracts held by the DNC and evaluate for return on investment and possible re-negotiation.
• Prioritize under-utilized and regional businesses when considering contracts for the DNC
• Encourage the DNC and state parties to do bulk purchasing for technology and other big ticket items that could yield cost savings to both the DNC and state parties that participate
• Ensure the DNC carries out a financial audit each year and that the results of the audit be shared with DNC members along with any changes made to business practices to ensure compliance for future audits
• Advocate for budgeting for contingencies to keep staff and provide for additional severance when/as needed