Wealthy Massachusetts Donors Reshape the Political Landscape

In the aftermath of Donald Trump's unexpected victory in the 2016 presidential election, a shift began to take place among deep-pocketed donors in Massachusetts. Traditionally content to support Democrats within their own state, these well-heeled individuals recognized the need to broaden their focus and direct their resources towards tight races across the country. This strategic decision has had a profound impact on the political landscape, as Massachusetts donors have become increasingly influential players in shaping the outcome of elections beyond their state's borders.

Harnessing the Power of Wealth to Drive Change

Expanding the Reach of Democratic Influence

Sherwood Guernsey, a Pittsfield attorney and diehard Democrat, was one of the first to recognize the need for a new approach. Dissatisfied with the traditional methods of sending money to Democrats in deep-blue Massachusetts and relying on voter turnout, Guernsey launched the Rural Freedom Network in 2017. This political committee was born out of a desire to support Democrats running at the federal level, with a focus on tight races outside of the state.Guernsey's decision to shift his attention and resources beyond Massachusetts was a strategic one, driven by the realization that the most significant battles were being fought in competitive districts and swing states. By directing his efforts and funding towards these critical battlegrounds, Guernsey and like-minded donors sought to amplify the impact of their contributions and help secure Democratic victories in high-stakes contests.

Tapping into the Donor Class

The trend of Massachusetts donors funneling money into political races across the country is not limited to Guernsey's efforts. A Globe analysis of the top 500 contributions from Massachusetts residents in 2024 revealed a steady stream of money flowing towards both Democratic and Republican super PACs nationwide.This phenomenon is driven by the deep political division in the United States and the lingering effects of the 2010 Supreme Court decision that allowed for unlimited donations to super PACs. With control of the government hanging in the balance, donors from Massachusetts and other wealthy enclaves have become increasingly willing to pour money into competitive races, regardless of party affiliation.

The Allure of the Donor Class

Massachusetts' status as a hub of wealth and political influence has made it a prime destination for politicians from across the country seeking to tap into the donor class. High-dollar fundraisers have become a regular occurrence, with Democratic and Republican candidates alike making the pilgrimage to the state to court deep-pocketed supporters.From Vice President Kamala Harris raising money in Pittsfield and Provincetown to Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance attending a luncheon in Gloucester, the flow of political figures seeking to capitalize on Massachusetts' donor base has become a well-established phenomenon. This dynamic has further solidified the state's role as a crucial battleground for political fundraising, with the potential to shape the outcome of elections far beyond its borders.

The Partisan Divide and the Pursuit of Power

The willingness of Massachusetts donors to direct their resources towards tight races in other states is driven by a deep partisan divide and a desire to see their preferred policies implemented. As Ray La Raja, a professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, explains, "Major donors who give repeatedly are partisans. They are true believers. They want the policies of their parties implemented."This partisan fervor has led to a scenario where control of Congress can change with each election cycle, making the stakes higher than ever. For donors in Massachusetts and other wealthy enclaves, the ability to influence the outcome of these critical races has become a top priority, leading them to channel significant sums of money towards the few dozen tight congressional contests or the presidential election.

The Shifting Landscape of Campaign Finance

The trend of Massachusetts donors directing their resources beyond state lines is part of a broader shift in the landscape of campaign finance. According to research conducted by the Brennan Center, the percentage of campaign funds raised by candidates for the US House from their home states has dropped from over 80% in 1998 to just over 60% in 2022.This shift reflects the growing importance of national political dynamics and the desire of donors to have a direct impact on the balance of power in Washington. As Ian Vandewalker, senior counsel and manager for the Brennan Center's Elections and Government Program, explains, "It used to be the case that candidates for Congress raised most of their money from residents of their district. Now that has flipped."The implications of this trend are far-reaching, as it has the potential to diminish the influence of local constituents and empower a small group of wealthy donors to shape the political landscape. As the flow of money out of state continues to grow, the need for campaign finance reform and greater transparency in the political process becomes increasingly pressing.