“We are not for names, nor men, nor titles of Government, nor are we for this party or against the other…but we are for justice and mercy and truth and peace and true freedom, that these may be exalted in our nation, and that goodness, righteousness, meekness, temperance, peace and unity with God, and with one another, that these things may abound.”
- Edward Burrough, an English Quaker preacher, 1659
The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) celebrates the 2026 elections as broadly fair, free, safe, and peaceful. We are encouraged by the millions of people who voted in the elections, early, by mail, and in person. We are inspired by the record turnout, including among young voters, and the resilience of our democratic system despite threats against it. We look forward to working with the incoming 120th Congress and the members who have been elected to represent their communities in Washington, DC.
As a nonpartisan Quaker advocacy organization with more than 80 years’ experience lobbying in Washington, we have a particular calling to speak out for justice in this election. Justice demands that all lawfully cast votes be counted accurately and transparently. The will of the people must be heard in these elections and the transition of power must be peaceful.
Every new congress is a new opportunity for us to advance policies that will bring about the world we seek, a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. As people of hope, we believe that our democracy is strongest when we are all engaged with it, and with one another. We are reminded that democracy is fragile. It only operates fairly for all through our hard work, and that is not guaranteed.
These elections demonstrated the power of ordinary people coming together to advance change. We celebrate the growing diversity of our communities and our Congress, and the historic gains for communities of color in these elections.
The work of civic engagement does not end on election day. Our commitment remains to work with all political parties and across the beautiful diversity of our country to advance our beloved community.