Michael Bloomberg backs Democrats with $80 million, but remains wary of party’s leftward shift: Report | Today’s news
Former New York mayor and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg has donated about $80 million to support Democrats ahead of the US midterm elections, while remaining concerned about what he sees as the party’s shift to the left, particularly on issues such as Israel, The New York Times reported.
Bloomberg’s team reportedly shared details of the donations with the NYT before most of the contributions were expected to be made public in campaign finance filings. The 84-year-old Democratic mega-donor is particularly focused on helping the party secure a sizeable majority in the House of Representatives, according to the report.
Howard Wolfson, a Bloomberg political consultant, said the former mayor believes financial resources play an important role in election campaigns.
“He believes in participating in our democracy,” the reporter quoted Wolfson as saying that Bloomberg’s financial contribution was greater than that of many others because of his resources.
“He’s of the opinion that resources matter in campaigns,” Wolfson said, adding that Bloomberg “expects the outcome.”
Bloomberg is directing at least $50 million to domestic plants
At least $50 million of Bloomberg’s latest spending is earmarked for the House race as Democrats scramble to gain control of the chamber, according to the New York Times.
Contributions include $24 million to Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun control advocacy group co-founded by Bloomberg, and another $16 million to House Majority PAC, a super PAC associated with Democratic House Leader Hake Jeffries.
Bloomberg wants Democrats to secure a large enough majority to effectively govern, rather than just reaching the 218 seats needed to control the House, the report said.
“The difference between 221 and 230 in terms of a House majority really matters,” Wolfson told the NYT, referring to the number of seats Democrats could hold in the next Congress.
Read also | America’s midterms: Iran war, Russia deal reveal divide between Trump and Republicans
Bloomberg worried about Democrats’ shift to the left
Despite his substantial financial support for the Democrats, Bloomberg remains concerned about the party’s ideological direction, particularly its stance on Israel, the outlet said, citing Wolfson.
The aide said Bloomberg did not “steer” money toward left-wing supporters of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Bloomberg has not yet decided who he will support in the broader political landscape, Wolfson told the paper. However, one of his donations during the current election cycle supported Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is considered a potential Democratic presidential candidate.
Bloomberg’s donations come amid a Republican spending spree
Bloomberg’s contributions could provide additional resources to Democrats competing in hotly contested races, as Republican-linked groups spend significant sums to support their candidates.
Elon Musk and super PACs aligned with US President Donald Trump have released hundreds of millions of dollars to support Republicans.
Bloomberg’s latest spending therefore comes at a critical time for Democrats, who are particularly focused on flipping the House and securing majorities large enough to govern with more flexibility.
Read also | Why Republicans’ $1 Billion Election War Chest Is Failing to Convert to Votes
