Democrats have frequently visited Nantucket during the summer, taking advantage of the wealthy Massachusetts island’s donor pool. This has enabled candidates and party leaders to bolster their funds ahead of November elections.
Nantucket, along with Martha’s Vineyard, remains a hub for political fundraising. Democrats leverage these islands’ affluent donor networks to prepare financial resources for upcoming midterm elections. As of June 30, the Democratic National Committee, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee collectively possessed around $136 million in cash. In comparison, their Republican opponents held approximately $277 million, as shown in federal filings.
High-profile Democrats like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York, Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, and Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton have attended fundraising events on Nantucket.
To salvage the annual event, another church on the island, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, announced it would read the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
On August 29, Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia joined a fundraiser in Nantucket hosted by Democratic influencer Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, a U.S. ambassador to Brazil appointed by President Biden. Bagley previously served as ambassador to Portugal during President Clinton’s administration.
The Democratic fundraising network extends to Martha’s Vineyard, another popular Massachusetts vacation spot. Former President Barack Obama attended an event on August 31 hosted by ex-Attorney General Eric Holder. This benefited the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.
Wes Moore, potential 2028 presidential candidate, visited Martha’s Vineyard the weekend of August 8 for a Democratic National Committee fundraiser with Chair Ken Martin.
Where was Wes Moore last weekend? Not campaigning in Maryland or solving our problems in Annapolis, but speaking at a national Democrat event in Martha’s Vineyard.
Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek appeared on Nantucket during the ongoing Iowa State Fair. He had attended the fair earlier in the week, but did not respond to journalist queries regarding his fundraising activities.
Democratic contributors Frank Herron and Sandra Urie, who hosted then-first lady Jill Biden for a 2022 Democratic National Committee fundraiser at their Nantucket home, welcomed Rep. Moulton for a fundraising brunch on August 2, as reported by Nantucket Current.
Jon Ossoff avoids commenting on why he mentioned Trump aide’s name during a Georgia campaign rally.
Michelle Obama also visited the island on August 23 to promote her book, “The Look,” during two sold-out events at the Performing Arts Center in Oak Bluffs. The Obamas have owned a vacation home on the Vineyard since 2019.
Nantucket continues to draw prominent Democrats alongside celebrities and wealthy individuals.
Former President Joe Biden and his family have frequented the island for Thanksgiving festivities. In July, former first lady Jill Biden promoted her book, “View From the East Wing: A Memoir,” on the island.
Republicans have also engaged Nantucket’s affluent donor network. In 2022, Vice President JD Vance, then a Senate candidate, appeared with Florida Senator Rick Scott and fellow candidates Ted Budd, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Herschel Walker for fundraising activities.
The National Democratic Redistricting Committee is concentrating on pivotal battlegrounds such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Reported by Ashley J. DiMella for Fox News Digital.