On Friday, March 20, 2026, Alabama Political Reporter reported that Democratic congressional candidates from across the United States have united to form a national coalition focused on congressional ethics and judicial reform.
The coalition, named Balance and Accountability Candidates (BAC), comprises 70 candidates for the U.S. House and Senate from 35 states. These candidates have pledged their support for a five-point policy outline designed to promote ethics reforms in Congress and ensure judicial accountability.
Andrew Sneed, a candidate for Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, founded the initiative, which was officially launched at an event in Washington, D.C., with 18 BAC signatories present. The coalition’s primary objectives include establishing 12-year term limits for members of Congress, banning congressional stock trading, and implementing a five-year moratorium on members of Congress becoming lobbyists after leaving office. Additionally, BAC aims to overturn the Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC ruling and establish an enforceable code of ethics for the Supreme Court.
Sneed emphasized the need to address the issues corroding the political system, stating, “This movement is built on fixing what is deeply broken… We have to be able to trust justice.” He also highlighted the importance of the Democratic Party understanding the need to address the affordability crisis, healthcare crisis, and attacks on women’s health.
Several candidates spoke at the Capitol event, including Ceretta Smith of Georgia, Julian Beaudion of South Dakota, Michael Masuda of California, Mary Allen of Indiana, Cyril Jefferson of North Carolina, and Evan Hunt of Texas.
Following the launch, Sneed told APR that he anticipates the coalition will grow to include 100 candidates before Alabama’s primaries and 200 before the general election. While BAC is currently focused on rallying support from Democrats, the coalition intends to explore bipartisan proposals to address its policy priorities once its members begin winning their respective elections.
Sneed stated, “Our goal is to get the national party to recognize that we have, I would go so far as to say, a responsibility to address these things as a party.” He also emphasized that the ultimate goal of BAC is to explore avenues for promoting its policy priorities.
BAC has also formed a PAC to raise money to support its members’ campaigns. Sneed noted the importance of investing in candidates who are committed to these reforms.
Clyde Jones, Lee McInnis, and Amanda Pusczek, who are congressional candidates for Alabama’s 1st, 3rd, and 4th Congressional Districts, respectively, are among BAC’s members. Jones, who has secured the Democratic nomination for District 1, expressed satisfaction that candidates from across the country were able to connect and share a unified message in support of congressional and judicial reform.
Jones also emphasized the importance of sharing policy ideas, discussing fundraising opportunities, and working together to bring about change. He noted that many people are ready for a change and that the coalition has a great opportunity.
Both Jones and Sneed emphasized BAC’s support for a code of ethics for the Supreme Court to ensure judicial accountability and fairness. Sneed also highlighted the importance of exploring different avenues for enacting BAC’s policy priorities, referencing a Montana ballot initiative aimed at prohibiting corporate entities from spending money to influence elections.
Alabama’s 2026 primary elections are scheduled for May 19, with the general election on November 3.
Source: Alabama Political Reporter
