Heiress Abigail Disney has announced that she will resume her donations to the Democratic Party following President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from his reelection bid. The granddaughter of one of the co-founders of The Walt Disney Company previously declared that she would halt her contributions until a new candidate was selected.
In a statement to CNBC, Disney confirmed her renewed support for the party after Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Earlier this month, when announcing her decision to stop donations, she expressed strong backing for Harris, noting, “We have an excellent Vice President.” She added that Democrats need to unite behind her candidacy to ensure victory in the upcoming election.
Disney was among numerous influential donors within the Democratic Party who expressed dissatisfaction with Biden’s leadership, especially after what was widely regarded as a poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump. Reports suggest that the diminishing financial support from donors played a role in Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race.
This re-engagement from Disney highlights the shifting landscape of Democratic support and suggests a potential turning point for the party as it rallies behind Harris. Prominent supporters, including George Soros and his son, Alex Soros, have also shown their endorsement for Harris in the wake of Biden’s announcement.
As the storyline unfolds, this transition may inspire renewed enthusiasm within the Democratic base, fostering unity and strategic focus in the lead-up to the 2024 election. The decision reflects a broader movement among Democratic donors to embrace candidates they believe can effectively champion their values and aspirations.