Annual Report | CatholicVote | 2024

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A MESSAGE FROM

JOSH MERCER

We did it! We delivered the Catholic Vote in 2024… and we WON! Now, let’s make the most of it.

Remember when politicians turned a blind eye to Catholics in past years? Mocked our values? Pretended to represent us while undermining what we stand for? Politicians like Pelosi and Biden.

Well, we’ve shown them –we’re a force to be reckoned with. And this report proves it.

In 2024, Catholics proved that our voices, our values, and our beliefs can change the direction of this country. Whenever we fight and humbly submit all things to God, anything is possible.

Catholics are changing the game, and we’re just getting started. The victories we’ve won are only the beginning.

2025 is our time to bring real, meaningful change to every corner of our country.

This is not a time to rest on our laurels. This is a time for action.

We’ve set the stage… now it’s up to us to keep pushing, growing, and driving forward.

Our success is not just a milestone. It’s a platform for even greater accomplishments.

Your support, your trust, and your investment in this mission are bringing a light into the darkness. It’s my greatest privilege to work alongside you and the CatholicVote family.

You’ve already helped us make history. Now, we can turn 2024’s victories into lasting change.

The future is ours to shape.

LEADERS WHO SHAPE THE FUTURE

BRIAN BURCH President

Burch is the co-founder and President of CatholicVote. In 2024, President Donald Trump nominated him as ambassador to the Holy See. As Burch proceeds through the Senate confirmation process, he has handed daily operations to the Vice President but continues to provide leadership.

JOSH MERCER Vice President and Editor of the LOOP

Mercer is the co-founder and Vice President of CatholicVote and Editor of the LOOP. He previously served as Chairman of Students for Life of America and Washington Correspondent for the National Catholic Register.

JOHN SHERMAN Chief Development Officer

Sherman is responsible for our fundraising efforts that create the essential revenue to advance our mission. He previously held key positions at T. Rowe Price, Bank of America, and MetLife.

Chastain drives our strategic campaigns, engaging audiences and expanding our reach. She previously gained extensive experience working with universities, large nonprofits, and startups.

KELSEY REINHARDT Director of Media and Evangelization Projects

Reinhardt steers the vision of our media operations, blending innovation with faith. Previously, she led a consortium of six global Catholic news agencies as Executive Director of ACI Group at EWTN.

LOGAN CHURCH National Political Director

Church is responsible for all of our election and voter turnout efforts. She previously contributed to the success of dozens of key political races in a multitude of states.

TRUMP CATHOLICS FOR

CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW

In January 2024, CatholicVote made a powerful statement by publicly endorsing Donald Trump for president. We rallied behind Trump, helping him to energize the Catholic vote.

This bold endorsement set the stage for a fierce battle in the 2024 election, marking a defining moment in the fight for the soul of America.

“Today we’re… very grateful to be endorsed by one of the nation’s largest Catholic advocacy groups, CatholicVote. And I just want to thank them. They are incredible.”
Donald J. Trump

OUR STRATEGY TARGETING CATHOLIC VOTERS

In the lead-up to the 2024 election, CatholicVote focused on mobilizing Catholic voters in key battleground states. With a strategic approach, the organization targeted millions of Catholic voters to ensure their voices were heard. Catholic voters in these states proved crucial in winning the election. Through targeted outreach and focused messaging, CatholicVote successfully energized the Catholic community to make an impact at the polls.

TAKES ACTION CATHOLICVOTE

From parishes to the digital world, CatholicVote met Catholics where they were —inspiring thousands to step up, get involved, and make their voices heard in 2024. We rallied the Catholic vote and turned the tide!

The pre-election data was clear: handwritten notes got results. Catholics in Pennsylvania wield significant power in deciding which way the state will swing— and they’re hearing straight from their Catholic neighbors: “Get out and vote!”

The New York Times ran a story highlighting one of our Catholic Voter Mobilization Meetups in the battleground state. By election day, we had sent out almost HALF A MILLION postcards to Catholic voters across our seven target states.

KAMALA’S RADICAL VIEWS

MESSAGE TO CATHOLIC VOTERS

COURTESY OF CV

KAMALA’S BORDER CRISIS

WATCH

PROTECT THE VULNERABLE

ADS THAT CHANGED THE GAME

These were more than ads—they marked turning points in a broader movement as CatholicVote led the charge in shaping the narrative and fighting for the values that matter most to Catholics nationwide.

And they were effective. In fact, too effective for CBS – they banned our “Kamala is for they/them” ad from all their platforms!

Leading up to the election, we recruited over 5,000 LOOP readers to create a volunteer force spanning nine states — staffing more than 400 Catholic-to-Catholic voter contact events

JD VANCE SINCE DAY ONE

CatholicVote has been all-in for Vice President JD Vance from day one. We recognized him as a bold leader who would fight for life, liberty, and family, remaining true to his Catholic values.

Back in December 2021, before JD Vance had become a prominent political figure, Brian Burch sat down with the bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy and then-candidate for the U.S. Senate for an exclusive CatholicVote webinar.

We endorsed him, calling on Catholics to rally behind Vance in the 2022 Ohio Senate race —a brother in Christ who was committed to defending family, life, and freedom.

With CatholicVote’s staunch support, Vance triumphed in the election, securing a pivotal win for Ohio and Catholic values. Since then, CatholicVote has been a steadfast ally, united with Vance in championing the values that matter most.

In 2024, we doubled down on our support for JD Vance. Because, as Brian explained back in August, Vance embodies what makes the Trump presidency a winning choice.

And he effectively neutralized the Left’s appeal to Catholic voters.

A convert to the Catholic faith, JD Vance has a vision for America that resonates deeply with Catholics who’ve had enough of the Left’s radical agenda on abortion and “woke” ideologies. His vision is a Catholic vision of America’s future, grounded in faith and common sense.

His message is a game-changer— which is why CatholicVote fully supported JD Vance as President Trump’s running mate. And now, we’re thrilled to continue backing him as he leads the way toward a brighter, more principled future for America!

THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK’S

AL SMITH DINNER

The 79th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner became a telling moment for Catholic voters, signaling who was willing to engage with their concerns—and which were not. Kamala Harris skipped the longstanding charity event, making her disdain for American Catholics clear, while Donald Trump, RFK Jr., and others attended. Brian Burch even hosted a one-on-one conversation with Bobby Kennedy, where they connected on a deeper level (see Brian’s letter below!).

A SNIPPET FROM BURCH’S LETTER “WHAT BOBBY TOLD ME”

Many find it hard to believe RFK Jr. would support pro-life values. But in January 2024, a friend from his campaign suggested I could help him. I was skeptical— until I listened.

It didn’t take long to see: RFK Jr. isn’t like other politicians. He didn’t dismiss what I had to say about prayer, faith,

Catholic solidarity, Pope Francis, IVF, and more. Yes, we didn’t agree on abortion. But RFK it’s a tragic choice made out of desperation— and we discussed ways to help more women choose life.

What Bobby shared convinced me that he’s ready to expose corruption, listen to Catholics, and fight to give us back our freedom.

Thank you @Catholicvote. We must find a way to love our children more than we hate each other. Love conquers all.

Victory

Donald Trump WON the Catholic vote by the largest margin in decades , a victory that ultimately decided the 2024 Presidential Election. Catholics didn’t just watch history unfold—we made it happen. We played a pivotal role in leading the great American comeback, proving once again that our voices matter and our values drive real change.

CV’S MISSION

OUR FOUR PILLARS

At CatholicVote, we don’t just watch as America faces challenges—we’re taking action to save our country. We believe that Catholics hold the answers that will restore the heart of our nation. And we won’t back down until we can all live out our faith boldly in every corner of this country.

MEDIA

The battle for America’s future is being fought in the media, and CatholicVote’s leading the charge. We’re revolutionizing how Catholics engage with the truth by investing in cutting-edge, interactive platforms that meet people where they are. Armed with knowledge, Catholics will rally to rebuild America’s soul, one truth at a time.

LAW

CatholicVote holds our elected representatives accountable—taking the fight straight to the Department of Justice. We stand firm against attacks on Catholics and pro-life Americans, demanding that Congress defend our right to life and religious freedom. Our lobbyists work tirelessly to remind them that they serve the people, not the elites.

POLITICS

Elections have consequences—that’s why CatholicVote is on the ground, mobilizing Catholic voters to take action. We equip them with the information they need to make informed decisions and lead the charge in restoring constitutional order, putting faith back at the center of our nation’s priorities.

EDUCATION

The next generation of politically engaged Catholics is rising, and we’re preparing them to lead America into a brighter future. Through initiatives like the Catholic Accountability Project, we’re shaping the leaders of tomorrow—those who will defend the faith and restore America’s moral compass.

2024

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

PRAYING FOR THE ELECTION

When Cardinal Burke called on all Catholics to unite in prayer as America faced the 2024 Election, CatholicVote answered the call.

“We have been diligent in defending America, and it is now time to step forward in faith and begin a new period of fighting for freedom and faith—always beginning in prayer. That’s why CatholicVote is 100% supporting Cardinal Burke’s novena. To maintain the peace and joy of Christ, we must start with Our Lady.” – Josh Mercer

2024

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

THIRD ANNUAL NOVENA

Heading into the 2024 Election, CatholicVote launched our third annual St. Michael Novena , inviting Catholics nationwide to unite in prayer and intercession in our country’s moment of need. The response was nothing short of extraordinary. Within the first 72 hours, more than 8,000 readers signed up to participate.

Here at CatholicVote, we are committed to defending the faith, holding leaders accountable, and protecting the Church’s integrity. That’s where the Catholic Accountability Project (CAP) comes in.

CAP hires the best investigative journalists to go deep into the stories that most affect us as Americans and as Catholics. We connect the dots, find the data, and present the truth through long-form reports and our topranked podcast The Receipts

RAINBOW WOLVES

In this in-depth analysis, we uncovered how New Ways Ministry, a lay organization, attempted to sabotage Catholic teachings on sex, the family, and marriage. By sounding the alarm, we exposed this covert attempt to erode traditional Catholic values, alerting the faithful to a serious threat and defending the integrity of the truth.

BAD SAMARITANS

This bombshell exposed the extent of the Biden-Harris administration’s failures at the border. In it, we investigated Harris’s deliberate mishandling of her role as “border czar” and exposed how her actions led to an immigration catastrophe that inflicted significant harm on both Americans and foreign nationals.

Hero PROJECTS 2024 CATHOLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

Hero

HARRISON BUTKER

After delivering an unforgettable commencement speech at Benedictine College, Harrison Butker’s name lit up across the nation. His message to Catholic graduates? Live virtuously and champion pro-family, Catholic values—no matter the cost.

“I say all of this to you because I have seen it firsthand how much happier someone can be when they disregard the outside noise and move closer and closer to God’s will in their life.”

This sparked widespread outrage, and Butker soon found himself at the center of intense scrutiny. But through it all, he stood firm, courageously facing the onslaught of abuse and refusing to back down in defense of the Catholic faith.

His influence isn’t just in words—his life exemplifies the power of faith in action.

By living out his convictions in both his personal and professional life, Butker is inspiring a new generation to embrace a higher standard of excellence, rooted in his Catholic values, that will shape culture for years to come. Butker is showing the world what it means to stand firm in Christ and speak the truth— authentically and unapologetically.

Our annual “Hero of the Year Tournament” is part of the Catholic Accountability Project’s Heroes and Zeroes initiative, which honors Catholics who are boldly living their faith and shaping our nation.

WELCOME TO REFINE

At CatholicVote, we don’t just fight for political victories—we’re committed to winning the culture.

That’s why we launched Refine: To celebrate the beauty of authentic living through truth, virtue, and good living. Refine is a movement rooted in the timeless values of faith and family, where we cultivate beauty, inspire joy, and promote purposeful living in every area of life—from building stronger communities to nourishing our souls.

From the trending to the timeless, our Refine newsletter brings you

inspiring articles on style, health, food, relationships, culture, and more—all designed to help you lead a life that reflects your deepest values.

Since its launch in November 2024, Refine has achieved remarkable success, rapidly growing in readership and gaining passionate supporters. We are leading the way in cultivating a culture that celebrates the beauty of ordinary life, grounded in truth, goodness, and love.

Refine your life. Refresh your soul.

TOP STORIES LOOP

NOMINATED AS

U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE HOLY SEE BRIAN BURCH

In 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Brian Burch, President of CatholicVote, to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. Trump praised Brian’s leadership in growing CatholicVote into one of the largest Catholic advocacy organizations in the country and highlighted his deep commitment to faith, family, and service.

As the co-founder of CatholicVote

and President of Seton Academy Catholic Montessori School, Brian has spent years inspiring Catholics to bring their faith into public life. This next stage will be no different; Brian will continue his mission to serve his fellow Catholics, the Church, and our nation.

Please pray for Brian and the whole Burch family as they prepare for this incredible new chapter!

“I am deeply humbled by the trust that President Trump has placed in me. This is an extraordinary opportunity to represent the United States in our relationship with the Vatican. Please also know that CatholicVote is already preparing for what comes next. The CV team is planning our biggest and most important year yet.”

POLITICAL ADVOCACY AND DEFENSE OF THE FAITH—41%

2024 Presidential Campaign

Rosary rallies

Catholic Accountability Project

Hide the Pride

Investigative reports

Church violence tracker

MEDIA—37%

LOOP and Refine

News Reporting

Video and podcast production

Advertising

Technology

LEGAL ADVOCACY—22%

Legal Advocacy

Lawsuits against the abortion industry

Legal briefs supporting religious liberty

Legal briefs supporting school choice

POLITICAL ADVOCACY AND DEFENSE OF THE FAITH

Champion HOW YOU SUPPORT CV TAKE A LOOK

BYRON D. GIDDENS

DONOR PROFILE

Champion

CITY, STATE

Bel Isle, Florida

SPOUSE

Theresa A. Giddens (married 34 years to the love of my life)

CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN

Erika Sheehy, Devon Giddens, and AnsleighGrace Sheehy (Granddaughter)

FAVORITE SAINT

Mary, Our Virgin Mother

WHAT CV MEANS TO ME

CV is the Catholic organization that I am hopeful will influence good, faithful Catholics to return to the one, true Faith. I remain hopeful that CV will lead a revival in the Catholic laity that in turn strengthens the Church from the bottom up. We need organizations like CV to assist the Catholic Church in influencing society rather than society influencing the Church. Our hope is in Jesus, and I am hopeful that CV is one of the vehicles that He utilizes to draw His Church and His people back to the Father.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME

I am a “cradle” Catholic with 8 sisters and 1 brother, all the children of a converted Southern Baptist Father (since passed), and a committed Catholic mother.

Despite familial differences and difficulties, we are still often together as a large, extended family; we regularly congregate at one sibling’s home or another—with as many as 25-35 people at any given time. Family is incredibly important, and our Catholic faith is a strong tie that binds us all together.

HOBBIES

To me, hobbies bring enjoyment. My wife and I own a medical distribution business, and it is a daily source of FUN, hard work, and trials— perhaps a hobby? In our remaining spare time we enjoy the gym, being outside (we live in Florida after all), and visiting our first (with hopefully others on the way) grandchild in Marietta, GA.

In 2024, CatholicVote’s influence reached new heights. From calling on the NY Attorney General to investigate the “trans” activist’s funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to exposing Vice President Harris’s anti-Catholic agenda, we made waves across top media outlets. Our growing influence as the largest Catholic activist organization is clear, as we boldly fight for Catholic values in both religious and secular spaces—winning the culture one battle at a time.

2024 was a game-changer—thanks to YOU! Your generosity is fueling our fight for faith, family, and freedom.

None of this would be possible without you.

With your support, we stood firm in defending life, advocating for liberty, and advancing Catholic values. Thank you for all you do to make our shared mission a reality.

Together, we’re not just making a difference; we’re changing the future.

God bless you for your commitment to CatholicVote.

“Catholics in the new administration are not interested in identity politics or some sectarian agenda. For Catholics, the purpose of politics is to create the conditions for people to flourish – the common good.”

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Annual Report | CatholicVote | 2024 by catholicvote - Issuu