Biden campaign cancels Wisconsin fundraiser as Democrat donors grow uncertain

A July fundraiser for President Joe Biden’s campaign in Wisconsin has been canceled, highlighting growing uncertainty and turmoil among donors within his reelection efforts. Many donors have been skittish about supporting the incumbent president since the debate against Donald Trump. 

According to a report by the New York Times, the Biden campaign had planned to send the president to Wisconsin for a late July fundraiser with an initial goal of raising $1 million. However, following his abysmal performance at the recent presidential debate, many previously committed donors began withdrawing their support. 

In response to the donor retreat, campaign officials reduced the fundraising target to $500,000, but even this lowered goal proved unattainable, leading to the event's cancellation. 

Major democrat donors across the country have expressed skepticism over continuing to fund the Biden campaign. After the presidential debate, some top donors stated that they would cease funding for the Democratic Party unless Biden steps aside as the nominee.  

On Friday, Biden held a rally in Wisconsin where he delivered a speech that helped “calm a lot of donors and activists” in the state, explained Biden fundraiser and former US Ambassador to Argentina Noah Mamet. 

“He was energetic and went directly at the critics this week,” Mamet said. “It was a good event to help turn the page and refocus the discussion back on Trump and the crazy stuff he says on a daily basis.” 

Wisconsin remains a critical battleground state, with razor-thin margins in recent elections. In 2016, Donald Trump narrowly won the state, while Biden secured a close victory in 2020. Current RealClearPolitics polling averages show Trump holding a slight lead of 1.5 percent. For Trump to secure enough electoral votes for a second term, winning one of the three northeastern swing states—Michigan, Wisconsin, or Pennsylvania—would be crucial.