Boycott of In-n-out urged over donations to GOP, but chain also gives to Dems

California’s Democratic Party chairman nearly launched a food fight Wednesday when he called for a boycott of iconic fast-food chain In-n-out Burger over a contribution the popular chain made to the state Republican Party.

Eric Bauman, chair of the California Democratic Party, tweeted Wednesday:

“Et tu In-n-out? Tens of thousands of dollars donated to the California Republican Party ... it’s time to #Boycottinnout – let Trump and his cronies support these creeps ... perhaps animal style!”

Democrats swiftly dialed back Bauman’s call for people to cease eating at the chain’s 333-plus locations, which attract a passionate following across six states with its simple burger-fries-andshakes approach and its “secret menu.”

A spokesperson for the California Democrats said the party will not pursue the boycott.

“It was his personal tweet and doesn’t reflect party policy,” said spokesperson John Vigna said in an interview. “That said, he is giving force to a sentiment many people feel right now. Which is that, in this era, with the stakes so high, engaging in things like personal boycotts is a way for people to effect change.”

Bauman was not available for comment.

One powerful California Democrat came to Inn-out’s defense.

“For the record, at least In-n-out pays their workers living wage, as employees. More than we can say about countless political donors on both sides,” tweeted state Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, whose Twitter site lists her as a progressive Democrat.

In-n-out Burger made contributions to both Republicans and Democratleaning political groups during the 2017-18 election cycle, according to data filed with the California secretary of state and supplied by In-n-out.

The California Republican Party received $30,000 from In-n-out’s political committee, while Californians for Jobs & A Strong Economy, a group that supports Democratic candidates, received a total $60,000 in two separate donations from In-n-out.