In the wake of continued and growing anti-Trump sentiment, one of the many Democrats benefitting from America’s fear and anger is Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren who is finding that her small donor pool has grown substantially in the last three months.
Currently, Warren’s “war chest” has swollen to $9.2 million, all of which could go toward her re-election campaign in 2018. In just the first three months of the year, Warren received $5.33 million of that, the majority of which came from small, individual donors.
Senator Bernie Sanders may have made the concept of small, individual donors a popular campaign talking-point in 2016, but Senator Warren is one of many progressive politicians who are taking the concept and running with it.
From the Boston Globe:
“Checks for $50 or less made up more than 92 percent of the individual contributions; checks for $25 or less comprised more than 76 percent of the contributions.”
While Warren has earned some progressives’ skepticism for her silence regarding important issues like Standing Rock, the cash flow pouring into her campaign so early is a sign that Warren’s progressive label may not be beyond redemption.
Still, the majority of Warrens’ politics indicate that she would be a prime contender to lead the Democratic party in 2020 or beyond. Warren’s main political focus is against corporations and big banks. The Senator helped to establish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau which has made incredible strides in prosecuting criminal banks who engaged in unethical behavior in the pursuit of clients and cash. Warren is also a strong speaker and a fearless leader, important attributes for any candidate hoping to have a strong showing in the Democratic party against unprecedented Republican opposition.
Warren responded to the mass of small donors making a difference in her political career, thanking the more than 16,000 Massachusetts residents who contributed any amount of money.
“To me, this map shows something powerfully important: that a strong grassroots movement is ready to fight back and make real change for our Commonwealth and our country. I’m deeply grateful that you’re a part of this fight – and we’re just getting started.”
Senator Warren is considered by many to be a strong contended for the 2020 presidential election, especially due to Senator Sanders’ advanced age. At this point, it is hard to imagine Warren not putting in her bid for the presidency, and a strong re-election campaign would be a strong first step in that direction.