LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward liberal causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports and omit reporting of information that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate The Downballot as Left Biased based on its Democratic-aligned framing and critical tone toward Republican and MAGA figures. We rate its Factual Reporting as High Factual due to strong data usage, transparent ownership, and no known failed fact checks.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT (-5.9)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.5)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The Downballot is a Substack-based political news and analysis outlet focused on elections below the presidential level, including congressional, gubernatorial, and state and local races. According to its About page, it was launched in 2024 after separating from Daily Kos Elections. Publisher David Nir previously served as Political Director at Daily Kos and began covering elections in 2003. The outlet produces a weekday Morning Digest newsletter, podcasts, election data projects, and fundraising charts.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
The Downballot is independently owned and operated by publisher David Nir, who is based in New York, New York, according to his LinkedIn profile. The publication states it has no corporate backers or billionaire funders. Revenue is generated through paid Substack subscriptions, podcast distribution, and donations via ActBlue. It explicitly states it does not endorse candidates for public office.
Analysis / Bias
The Downballot provides detailed election analysis with an emphasis on Democratic strategy, redistricting, and intra-party dynamics. While it presents substantial data and electoral breakdowns, framing frequently reflects a left-leaning perspective.
For example, in “Morning Digest: Democrats unveil plan to redraw Colorado’s map for 2028,” the article describes Democratic redistricting efforts in strategic terms and frames Republican gerrymandering as justification for them. Commentary sections include language critical of Trump and corporate media influence.
Similarly, “Morning Digest: Why a Trump endorsement is no longer as valuable as it once was” uses language such as “MAGA loudmouths” and characterizes Trump as appeasing far-right figures, reflecting clear editorial positioning.
In “Morning Digest: A progressive activist got badly outspent. She won anyway.,” coverage of progressive candidates includes detailed strategic context, while centrist criticism is reported but not given equal weight.
Although the publication emphasizes objectivity and presents extensive electoral data, its tone and framing often align with Democratic and progressive viewpoints. However, it avoids conspiratorial content and provides verifiable data, placing it in the Left category.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate The Downballot as Left Biased based on its Democratic-aligned framing and critical tone toward Republican and MAGA figures. We rate its Factual Reporting as High Factual due to strong data usage, transparent ownership, and no known failed fact checks. (D. Van Zandt 02/24/2026)
Source: https://www.the-downballot.com/
Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources