Decline in Small Donations Presents Challenge for Democrats in Presidential Cycle

According to a recent report from Politico, Democrats are facing a significant decline in small donations through ActBlue during the initial stages of this presidential election cycle. In comparison to the same period in 2020, they have raised $30 million less from small donors. This drop in donor support has raised concerns among party members, with Ari Rabin-Havt, former deputy campaign manager for Bernie Sanders, urging a thorough examination of the underlying reasons.

Significant Drop in Democrat Donors in Comparison to 2019’s Primary Season

The second quarter of this year witnessed a substantial decrease of 32% in Democrat donors in comparison to the same period in 2019, which marked the height of the Democratic primary season. This decline has left party members worried about the potential consequences and has prompted calls for a closer analysis of the factors contributing to this drop-off.

Biden’s Campaign Launch Fails to Match Donations from 2019

Although President Biden’s campaign launch on April 25 garnered considerable donor support, it experienced a decline of over 25% in funds raised compared to his entry into the highly competitive field in 2019. This decline in financial support poses a challenge for the campaign as they navigate the intricacies of the presidential race.

ActBlue Surpasses WinRed Despite Decrease in Donors

Despite the decrease in the number of donors, ActBlue has consistently outperformed WinRed, the Republican party’s fundraising platform. While WinRed experienced a surge in donations on specific days, such as during former President Trump’s indictment, ActBlue surpassed WinRed in total donations during the first two quarters of the race. This highlights the continued strength and importance of ActBlue in the fundraising landscape.

House Speaker McCarthy and NRCC Outpace House Minority Leader Jeffries and DCCC

During the second quarter, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) managed to raise over $10 million more than House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). This fundraising success by the Republican party has implications for the upcoming elections and emphasizes the need for the Democratic party to mobilize their resources effectively.