Funded by the Very Dark Money It Claims to Fight
I-194 promises transparency. Its own campaign is built on secrecy.
Who Is The Transparent Election Initiative?
The campaign behind I-194 has been funded primarily through a 501(c)(4) organization called the Transparent Election Initiative (TEI). Unlike the businesses and associations I-194 targets, TEI does not disclose its donors.
In other words: the initiative demanding transparency from Montana organizations is itself operating through a non-transparent dark money structure.
The campaign calling for transparency won’t tell you who is funding it.
Broken Rules and An Active Inquiry
Montana’s Commissioner of Political Practices, Chris Gallus, has opened an inquiry into TEI’s classification. The question: whether TEI’s primary purpose is political activity, which would require donor disclosure under Montana law.
This inquiry was reported by the Montana Free Press on June 11, 2026.
Jeff Mangan, the founder of TEI, is a former Montana Commissioner of Political Practices — the same office now reviewing his organization.
What They Say Vs. What they Do
I-194 Claims…
To end dark money in Montana ballot campaigns
To create a level playing field
To represent Montanans
The REality…
Its own funder, TEI, does not disclose donors
Billionaires keep unlimited rights; Montana co-ops are silenced
TEI’s donors are unknown; MTFP reported inquiry opened June 11, 2026
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You can still withdraw before June 19, 2026.