Many of the most influential US tech companies and their employees have shown formidable support through donations for the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, according to the latest data gathered by OpenSecrets. In accordance with the US campaign finance regulations, companies cannot directly donate to federal campaigns. Instead, they opt to donate limited amounts to congressional campaigns through committees which are funded by employee donations.
Out of many, Reid Hoffman and Mark Cuban are among those who pledged support for Harris’ campaign in consideration of more abortion rights and pro-technology policies, while other tech leaders may have fallen out with Joe Biden’s administration with respect to his business policies that target M&A as well as data privacy.
In most cases, campaign donations come from corporate employees who earn more disposable income than average warehouse workers, said Sarah Bryner, Director of research and strategy at OpenSecrets.
In the US, Silicon Valley is often seen as more left-leaning – numerous venture capitalists stated they would support Harris who apparently stands firm on business and technological innovation.
Alphabet, Amazon and Microsoft are contributing millions of dollars to Harris, while Tesla remains steadfast and unwavering in support of Donald J. Trump’s sentiments toward the economy, taxes and businesses. Employees and their respective family members at Amazon and Microsoft have donated a collective $2.1 million, in comparison to $116,000 from Amazon and $88,000 from Microsoft acquired by Trump.
Alphabet, on the other hand, as well as its subsidiaries including Google, have contributed $2.16 million to Harris, almost 40 times as much as the amount presented to Trump.
Meta and Apple, yet to hit the $1 million donation milestone, are still relentlessly outrunning endowments to Trump. Meta employees have contributed $25,000 to Trump’s campaign in contrast with $835,000 to Harris. Apple employees have also donated $44,000 to the former, compared with $861,000 to the latter.
