
Informed Citizens Make Better Choices
The Lever is a nonpartisan, reader-supported investigative news outlet that holds accountable the people and corporations manipulating the levers of power. The organization was founded in 2020 by David Sirota, an award-winning journalist and Oscar-nominated writer who served as the presidential campaign speechwriter for Bernie Sanders.

Our Approach
The Lever’s reporting, podcasts, videos, and live events focus on politics, business, and corruption. We expose how money shapes and distorts public policy. We report inconvenient truths without regard for which powerbrokers, politicians, or political parties such reporting might offend.
Our journalism adheres to the highest editorial standards. All of our stories are subjected to rigorous fact checking and we provide our sourcing information whenever possible so that readers can independently review and verify our reporting.
Our Mission
We believe a functioning democracy requires a vibrant, reader-supported independent media, as an antidote to corporate media propaganda.
We believe fearless subscriber-supported journalism can force politicians and corporations to fulfill their promises. To paraphrase Archimedes: We believe that with a strong enough lever, we can help move the world.
Our Track Record
The Lever is operated by a small team — but we punch above our weight. Our reporting has appeared in major publications including The New York Times, ProPublica, The Guardian, Jacobin, and Rolling Stone, among others. Our efforts have shifted national conversations, spurred new policies, and led to real change.
Our Team
David Sirota
FounderFounder and editor-in-chief of The Lever, David is also an Oscar-nominated writer and worked as Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign speechwriter. See more
Joel Warner
Managing EditorJoel directs The Lever’s editorial coverage and daily operations. In addition to his award-winning journalism, Joel has published two books. See more
Lucy Dean Stockton
News EditorLucy is a New York-based editor and reporter focused on climate and privatization. She previously worked at The Nation, More Perfect Union, and Insider. See more
Andrew Perez
Senior Editor And ReporterCovering money and influence on politics, Andrew’s award-winning work has appeared in MapLight, International Business Times, ProPublica and HuffPost. See more
Amos Barshad
Senior Enterprise ReporterAmos is a journalist in New York and the author of “No One Man Should Have All That Power: How Rasputins Manipulate The World.” See more
Freddy Brewster
ReporterFreddy is a reporter and has been published in the Los Angeles Times, NBC News, CalMatters, the Lost Coast Outpost, and more. See more
Jared Jacang Maher
Lead ProducerJared is an award-winning Denver-based producer. He has worked as an investigative reporter, features writer, and on TV, documentaries, and podcasts. See more
Frank Cappello
Podcast ProducerFrank is an award-winning writer and producer. His past work includes Billy on the Street, WTF with Marc Maron, published at BuzzFeed, and Earwolf Media. See more
Nick Byron Campbell
Marketing DirectorNick strategizes the Lever’s growth and audience engagement. He also occasionally reports for The Lever as a West Coast correspondent. See more
Mandy Hennessey
Operations ManagerMandy is a longtime community organizer and has worked on numerous progressive political campaigns, including Bernie Sanders' presidential campaigns. See more