Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent run for the presidency in 2024 is not just generating chatter; it's compelling previously silent donors to open their checkbooks. Notably, Kennedy seems to be drawing more from the pool of past Trump supporters than Biden backers, according to a detailed POLITICO financial analysis.
The data underscores a striking phenomenon: a significant chunk of Kennedy's fundraising, around $10 million from his large-dollar contributors till September 30, came from donors absent from the 2016 and 2020 federal donation lists. This suggests that Kennedy may be reviving an electorate segment disillusioned with mainstream political offerings.
To further break it down, of the total donors who contributed in previous years, nearly 2,100 donors, amounting to close to $2 million, donated via the Republican platform WinRed since 2020. This contrasted with the 1,700 donors giving $1.4 million through the Democratic equivalent, ActBlue.
Adding another layer of complexity, over 160 of Kennedy's contributors also supported anti-establishment entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and about 100 donated to Florida's Governor, Ron DeSantis. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) pointed out the nuanced position of Kennedy, stating, "Some members of our party like his positions on vaccines, but other than that he's a liberal."
Notably, more than 60% of Kennedy's large-dollar contributors have no known prior donations to ActBlue or WinRed since the onset of 2020. Such fundraising dynamics might have influenced Kennedy's decision, announced on October 9, to pursue the presidency as an independent.
Campaign spokesperson Stefanie Spear emphasized Kennedy's inclusivity, noting that "No political party or candidate owns votes ... Kennedy welcomes everyone into his coalition no matter who they supported in the past."
While Kennedy, known for his environmental law crusades and controversial anti-vaccination stances, has significant backing from health care professionals, alternative medicine practitioners, and even Hollywood connections, his bid isn't without skepticism.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) mused on the potential impact of Kennedy's campaign. "Really what you're talking about is what impact could he have in five or six states that are going to be competitive, [if he's] on those ballots," Rubio said.
Yet, in a razor-thin political landscape where every vote counts, Kennedy's unconventional allure might indeed be a wildcard. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), a Trump endorser, provided perspective on the political calculus: "When Kennedy goes out there and runs against that establishment, he has to appreciate it probably ends up splitting votes off from President Trump."
Political donors, being the most highly engaged voters, have always been bellwethers of political currents. The shifting sands of donor allegiances this time around might be signaling a deeper electoral undercurrent, making 2024 an intriguing race to observe.
