Democrats Leverage Nantucket for Summer Fundraising

Democrats are intensifying their fundraising efforts by visiting Nantucket, a popular Massachusetts island, aiming to garner support from its affluent donor community as they prepare for the upcoming November elections.

Nantucket, along with its neighbor Martha’s Vineyard, has been a staple for political fundraising for years. This summer, prominent Democrats have been frequenting these islands, leveraging the well-connected donor networks available there.

Data from federal filings as of June 30 shows the Democratic National Committee, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee had approximately $136 million in cash. Their Republican counterparts, however, held around $277 million.

This season, notable Democrats such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York, Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico, and Massachusetts Representative Seth Moulton have attended fundraising events on Nantucket.

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., was present at a Nantucket fundraising event on August 29, hosted by Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, a Biden appointee and former ambassador.

Martha’s Vineyard is also a key fundraising destination. Former President Barack Obama joined an event on the island hosted by former Attorney General Eric Holder, supporting the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.

Potential 2028 presidential candidate Wes Moore was on Martha’s Vineyard for a Democratic National Committee event earlier in August. Maryland GOP criticized Moore’s absence in his own state, emphasizing a need for a governor focused on Maryland’s priorities.

Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek was seen in Nantucket while the Iowa State Fair was still ongoing. Although he appeared at the fair earlier, he did not respond to media inquiries about his fundraising activities.

Notable Democratic donors Frank Herron and Sandra Urie organized a fundraising brunch for Moulton on August 2 at their Nantucket home. The couple previously hosted Jill Biden for a 2022 Democratic National Committee fundraiser.

Michelle Obama also visited the island on August 23, promoting her book, “The Look,” with sold-out discussions at the Oak Bluffs Performing Arts Center.

Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard have long attracted prominent Democrats, including Presidents and First Ladies. Joe Biden and his family have been regular visitors for Thanksgiving.

Republicans also engage with donors on Nantucket. In 2022, notable GOP figures, including JD Vance, Rick Scott, and others, held a fundraising event there.