AOC Highlights Small Donors, Receives Major Support from Celebrities
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has generated significant buzz surrounding her grassroots fundraising efforts. While she frequently promotes her reliance on small donations from the public, an analysis reveals a notable influx of larger contributions from high-profile celebrities and wealthy individuals.
Celebrity Contributions to AOC’s Campaign
Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign has attracted funds from various celebrities and influential figures. Noteworthy donations include:
- Jane Fonda – $8,300
- Wanda Sykes – $2,000 (2025)
- Jackson Browne – $4,850 (2025), nearly $12,000 since 2020
- Ben Affleck – $3,452 over the years
- Mark Ruffalo – $5,063
- Michael Moore – $1,000
These contributions contribute to Ocasio-Cortez’s impressive fundraising total of approximately $20 million, positioning her as one of the highest-grossing House members.
Large Donors Impacting Average Contributions
While Ocasio-Cortez claims her average donation ranges between $15 and $17, her campaign data indicates that numerous notable contributions skew this figure. Several high-profile donors break larger amounts into smaller segments, contributing to the perception of widespread grassroots support.
For instance, a Manhattan physician, Tina Dobsevage, has made 130 contributions totaling $2,100. Additionally, California-based Google employees have fragmented their donations into smaller increments, further lowering her stated average donation size. This method is employed by many donors to project a grassroots image.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Critics argue that Ocasio-Cortez’s fundraising approach contradicts her grassroots narrative. Kiersten Pels of the Republican National Committee stated, “Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign is fueled by Hollywood celebrities and D.C. insiders she often criticizes.”
Moreover, during the first half of 2025, donations from individuals contributing over $200 accounted for about 10% of her fundraising total, highlighting a significant reliance on larger donations.
Funding Breakdown and Donors
In 2024, nearly 30% of Ocasio-Cortez’s contributions were sourced from large donors. Key figures in the business realm, including:
- Evan Goldberg (Oracle NetSuite) – $6,600
- Claire Chouinard (Patagonia) – $6,300
- Porter Diehl (Bridgewater Associates) – $3,500
This mix of donor types raises questions about the authenticity of her self-portrayal as a representative of common Americans.
Summary of Contributions
The following table summarizes major contributors to Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign:
| Contributor | Amount |
|---|---|
| Jane Fonda | $8,300 |
| Wanda Sykes | $2,000 |
| Jackson Browne | $12,000 |
| Ben Affleck | $3,452 |
| Mark Ruffalo | $5,063 |
| Michael Moore | $1,000 |
Ultimately, Ocasio-Cortez’s fundraising model raises important discussions on electoral financing and grassroots authenticity in modern political campaigns.
