Bernie Sanders, AOC, and other anti-Trump progressives haul in big bucks for 2026
Progressive lawmakers in Congress who have been leading the resistance against President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda are reaping the rewards in terms of fundraising. Senator Bernie Sanders, a longtime progressive champion, reported a staggering $11.5 million in fundraising for the first quarter of 2025, with a total of $19 million in his campaign coffers. Sanders has been drawing massive crowds to his “Fighting Oligarchy” rallies across the country, alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who also raised an impressive $9.6 million in the past three months.
Ocasio-Cortez’s fundraising success came from 266,000 individual donors, with an average contribution of just $21. She expressed gratitude to her supporters for enabling them to rally people together on a record scale to organize their communities. Another prominent Democrat leading the resistance is Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, who raised $8 million in the past quarter, his largest fundraising haul ever.
According to top Sanders advisor Faiz Shakir, the fundraising numbers reflect a strong desire for action among Democratic voters and activists. Longtime Democratic strategist Joe Caiazzo emphasized the importance of understanding the rejection of traditional Washington politics by voters and the need for a new approach in the next cycle.
On the Republican side, House GOP lawmakers are gearing up to defend their majority in the upcoming midterm elections. Several Republicans in competitive districts raised seven figures in the first quarter, with Rep. Mike Lawler of New York leading the pack with nearly $1.5 million. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) highlighted the fundraising advantage enjoyed by House GOP lawmakers in competitive districts over their Democratic counterparts.
Overall, the fundraising success of progressive lawmakers and House Republicans reflects the changing political landscape and the desire for action among voters. As the 2026 elections approach, fundraising will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Congress.
