Hollywood hops on Buttigieg bandwagon
Pete Buttigieg has built a devoted following in Hollywood over the last few months, helping him lead the Democratic field of presidential candidates in fundraising for the second quarter.
In a filing released Monday, Buttigieg disclosed contributions from a bunch of bold-faced names, including Jennifer Aniston, Tig Notaro and Larry David. Buttigieg held numerous fundraisers in the quarter, raking in $24.1 million.
Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, is the first gay candidate to make a serious bid for the presidency. That has helped fuel his success with Hollywood’s gay donor community. David Geffen has already maxed out to Buttigieg, making a $5,600 contribution to cover the primary and the general election.
Also among the donors to Buttigieg are gay activist George Takei, director Spike Jonze, and actors Kevin Bacon, Sean Hayes, Gina Gershon and John Stamos.
Also in the running for Hollywood’s affection are Sen. Kamala Harris, whose donors include Don Cheadle, Leslie Odom Jr., James L. Brooks, Ryan Murphy, Rob Reiner and Sean Penn.
Bernie Sanders has avoided the trappings of Hollywood fundraising in favor of an army of small-dollar donors, most of whom write checks for $27 or $2.70. “Vice” director Adam McKay and his wife, Shira Piven, eschewed that route and each wrote checks to Sanders for the maximum primary donation: $2,800.
Elizabeth Warren got support from Ashley Judd, and Damon and Heidi Lindelof (who also gave to Buttigieg and Kirsten Gillibrand.)
Also of note: Sen. Cory Booker snagged $2,800 from Shonda Rhimes, and Marianne Williamson picked up a cool $2,050 from actor Jeff Bridges.