Report: DeSantis-Supporting Super PAC Got Largest Donation of ‘23
The Facts
Data from the US Federal Election Commission (FEC) shows that a super PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, received the largest individual donation of 2023.
On March 30, Robert T. Bigelow donated approximately $20M to Never Back Down, Inc. — the most contributed by an individual all year. Bigelow's donation was followed by billionaire Jeff Yass' $10M contribution to Club For Growth Action on June 7.
The Spin
Narrative A
Despite an incredible amount of financing, the reality is that DeSantis' super PAC-centered candidacy has produced no meaningful challenge for the Republican nomination. The recent departures of many Never Back Down top officials, the cancellation of TV advertising, and consistently poor polling means DeSantis' time in national politics may be coming to an embarrassingly quick end.
Narrative B
While large contributions may steal the headlines, it’s the avalanche of small donations that should be of greater focus. Candidates on both sides of the aisle are often guilty of focusing on the average citizen, with the aim of mobilizing a hoard of minor donations and primary support. To do so, they sell a dangerous brand of populism, whipping up an electoral frenzy with the aim of seeing the masses donate what little disposable income they have.
