Data Sources
Consensus 2026 aggregates data from multiple public and proprietary sources to provide comprehensive candidate profiles. Our data sources include:
- U.S. Congress API and official government records
- Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings
- State election commission records
- Candidate-submitted profiles and campaign materials
- Publicly available voting records and legislative data
Alignment Scores & Methodology
Consensus 2026 rates candidates across four pillars: America First, MAHA, Antiwar, and Consensus. These scores are derived from a standardized 20-question yes/no questionnaire completed by candidates and/or assessed by our editorial team.
Each question carries weighted values across the four categories. Scores range from 0 to 100, and badges (e.g., "America First Champion") are awarded when a candidate meets admin-configured thresholds. The Consensus score incorporates its own dedicated questions as well as an average of the other three pillar scores.
Scores may be manually set or adjusted by site administrators when additional context is available. Manually locked scores are not overwritten by automated questionnaire calculations. These ratings represent the assessment and methodology of Consensus 2026 and should not be considered official government ratings or endorsements.
Scores are updated periodically and may change as new information becomes available. We strive for transparency in our methodology, but users should conduct their own research when making voting decisions.
User Questionnaire & Data Collection
Users (donors, volunteers, and visitors) may complete the same alignment questionnaire to receive their own scores across the four pillars. Your individual responses are used solely to calculate your alignment scores and generate candidate matches.
Anonymous users may take the questionnaire, but results are stored only for the duration of the browser session. Signing in allows you to save your scores for future visits. See our Privacy Policy for details on how questionnaire data is stored and protected.
Candidate Matching Disclaimer
The "My Matches" feature compares your questionnaire scores to candidate scores and ranks candidates by similarity percentage. This matching is algorithmic and approximate — it reflects score proximity, not an editorial endorsement or recommendation.
Match percentages should not be the sole basis for voting decisions. We encourage all users to research candidates independently, review their full platforms, and consult official election resources.
Accuracy & Timeliness
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we cannot guarantee that all data is current or error-free. Candidate information, election dates, and filing statuses may change without notice.
We strongly encourage voters to verify all information through official state and federal election resources before making decisions.
Donation Records
Donation data displayed on candidate profiles is sourced from FEC filings and our own transaction records. Under federal law, political contributions above $200 in an election cycle must be publicly reported, including the donor's name, address, employer, and occupation.
If you believe your donation information is displayed inaccurately, please contact us at data@consensus2026.com.
Volunteer Data
Volunteer hours and activities are self-reported and shared with the relevant candidate campaigns. We do not independently verify volunteer hours. Volunteer data is not publicly disclosed unless required by law.
No Legal or Financial Advice
Nothing on this Platform constitutes legal, financial, or tax advice. For questions about campaign finance law, donation limits, or tax deductibility, consult a qualified professional or visit fec.gov.
Contact
For data corrections, questions, or concerns, contact data@consensus2026.com.
See also our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.