2026 Conservative Leadership for a United America Projects
Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, conservative leaders from across the country are taking action in their local communities and nationwide to strengthen the Republic and prevent political violence.
Central AZ
At a time when Americans are divided by politics, a group of Arizonans is showing a hopeful alternative. Organized by the Central Arizona CLUA team, a new cross-partisan coalition of civic leaders and organizations called AZ Together launched a series of video conversations designed to remind Arizonans that disagreement does not have to lead to division.
Led by the Arizona Talks Foundation, the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network (ADRN), Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and Urban Rural Action, the videos carry one message: Better Conversations, Stronger Arizona. In four short videos, Arizonans with different views on challenging issues talk them through honestly, listen thoughtfully, and choose respect over contempt.
The featured pairs span federal, state, and local leadership:
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Former Members of Congress: Matt Salmon and Ron Barber
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State and County Officials: Dana Lewis (Pinal County Recorder) and Janeen Connolly (State Representative)
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Local Mayors: Tempe Mayor Corey Woods and Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke
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Student Leaders: Katie Ritchie (ASU) and Kennedy Jennings (U of A)
Eastern NC
The Eastern North Carolina CLUA team is producing public conversations among influential local leaders of different political stripes. The conversations, broadcast to existing local media audiences, elevate positive examples of political opponents engaging productively and encourage community members to see each other as partners in pursuit of a shared vision. The goal is to establish a norm of respectful, non-violent engagement across divides and speak with a united voice against political violence. The team also hopes these conversations generate a vision for the region that unites rather than pitting neighbors against each other — establishing what people in eastern NC are for, together, despite their differences.
South-Central PA
The South-Central PA CLUA team determined that one of the causes of political violence risk in their communities is people's isolation from others. The leaders chose to create a project that focused on encouraging everyone to be better neighbors, in hopes that by building personal relationships with those around you, you will feel less isolated and more a part of the community. The team created a slogan, "Build Better Neighbors; Division is a Choice." They are attending local events and festivals to share that message, encouraging people to come and talk about what makes a good neighbor. They are handing out free T-shirts to those who participate in the conversation about good neighborly behavior. The highlight of the program has been attending the Good Neighbor Fest and being able to interact and network with many local residents and other organizations spreading the message of building better neighbors to create stronger communities.
Southeast WI
The Southeast Wisconsin CLUA team is focused on creating welcoming, in-person opportunities for people with different political perspectives to connect, engage in meaningful conversations, and recognize our shared humanity. We want to create spaces where people can move beyond political labels, build relationships, and learn how to navigate disagreements constructively. We are hosting a series of community events that incorporate relationship-building, engaging activities, and practical opportunities to develop constructive dialogue skills. These include:
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Movie Night and Discussion
A screening of The Very Best of Enemies, followed by a facilitated discussion. The film provides an opportunity to explore how individuals with opposing perspectives can build relationships, challenge assumptions, and work together despite their differences.
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Trivia and Topic Night
Interactive activities, trivia, and discussion topics to bring participants together in a relaxed, engaging environment. The goal is to encourage connection across political and ideological differences while creating opportunities for participants to learn from one another and discover common ground.
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Guest Speakers: Political Differences, Lasting Friendships
Featuring guest speakers who hold opposing political views but maintain genuine friendships. Through their stories and conversations, we hope to demonstrate that political disagreement does not have to prevent meaningful relationships, mutual respect, or collaboration.
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ABCs of Constructive Conversation: Presentation and Practice
Sharing UR Action’s ABCs of Constructive Conversation, followed by opportunities for participants to practice these skills. This approach helps individuals learn how to acknowledge others, remain curious about different perspectives, and collaborate despite disagreements. Our goal is to give participants practical tools they can use in their everyday conversations, relationships, and communities.
National Virtual Cohort
The National Virtual Cohort of CLUA leaders organized a panel discussion in Washington D.C. on October 27, 2026 to highlight the destructive first-hand impact of political violence. The event recording is supplemented with resources that community groups can use to lead structured conversations across differences on political violence and unite around a commitment to peaceful participation in our public square. Click below to watch the recording, then bring the conversation to your community.