Ex-Dem operative details 'new donor establishment' behind Mamdani-era progressives: 'Not from the grassroots'
Evan Barker, a former Democratic operative turned voter for President Donald Trump, detailed alleged dark money influence that she says has driven the party further left.Barker, who raised money for Democratic candidates throughout her career, from Barack Obama to progressive lawmakers such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., before deciding to vote for Trump in 2024, explained in an interview with Fox News Digital that the party's major shift influenced her decision to defect."I first got activated in Democratic politics when Barack Obama was running in 2008.
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Evan Barker, a former Democratic fundraiser, said a new group of big donors is shaping the party's progressive wing. She told Fox News that this donor network is not based on ordinary grassroots support. Barker said the influence of this 'dark money' pushed the Democrats further left. Because of this, she decided to vote for Donald Trump in 2024.
Why it matters
The claim highlights concerns about how wealthy donors can affect political parties and policies. It also shows why some longtime Democrats are losing faith in the party's direction.
- Who is Evan Barker?
- She is a former Democratic operative who raised money for candidates from Barack Obama to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
- What does she say about the donor network?
- She says it is a new donor establishment that is not grassroots and has moved the party left.
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Ex-Dem operative details 'new donor establishment' behind Mamdani-era progressives: 'Not from the grassroots'
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