Mobile phone with logo of fundraising organization ActBlue Charities Inc. on screen in front of website. (Photo credit: T. Schneider / Shutterstock)
A major Democratic fundraising group reportedly saw an exodus of senior officials and has "plunged into turmoil" as it faces an investigation from Republicans in Congress.
At least seven senior officials left ActBlue in late February, The New York Times reported Wednesday, citing a letter from the organization's unions. That included customer service and partnerships directors who had worked at the organization for more than a decade.
"Now, my primary mission is rest,” Alyssa Twomey, the organization's longtime vice president for customer service, wrote on social media. “After 14+ years of living and breathing all things ActBlue, it’s time for a reset. I’m taking an intentional pause before setting course for my next adventure.”
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The exits come as Republicans in Congress move forward with proposals that could hinder the organization's fundraising efforts.
ActBlue has become a critical component of the Democratic Party's fundraising efforts. As of June 2024, ActBlue had raised $13.7 billion for Democratic candidates and causes. The organization dramatically increased the amount of small-dollar contributions to candidates.
ActBlue has become so vital to Democrats that if it disappeared, digital fundraising consultant Tim Tagaris said it would be "an absolute disaster for Democratic party fundraising."
And the recent exodus has sparked "deep concerns" about the organization's future, according to the Times, with two unions sending a "blistering letter" to its board of directors describing what they called an "alarming pattern" of departures that was "eroding our confidence in the stability of the organization."
Even so, a spokeswoman for the organization told the Times they are focused on having a "strong team in place."
“Like many organizations, as we undergo some transition heading into this new election cycle, we are focused on ensuring we have a strong team in place,” spokeswoman Megan Hughes said. “We greatly appreciate the contributions of our incredible team members and remain deeply committed to the success of our organization and our mission to enable grass-roots supporters to make their voices heard.”
Republican lawmakers have recently called for ActBlue to shed insight on its security and anti-fraud measures, according to the report. They also sought information on how the group combats unlawful contributions to candidates from foreign donors.