Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, is under fire after a conservative watchdog group filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, accusing her campaign of accepting improper donations processed through ActBlue, a major online fundraising tool used by Democratic candidates.
The complaint, submitted by the Coolidge Reagan Foundation, alleges violations of federal campaign finance law—specifically, failing to properly disclose donor identities and accepting contributions made in the names of others, a practice known as using “straw donors.” If confirmed, such practices would violate FEC regulations, writes The Washington Examiner.
At the heart of the complaint is a 73-year-old retiree reportedly listed as having made 56 separate donations totaling $610 across 2023 and 2024. According to the foundation, that individual claims to have no knowledge of making any such contributions. The group argues this points to a broader pattern of suspicious activity on the platform.
“The evidence suggests ActBlue has been providing thousands of dollars of contributions to Democratic candidates in the names of unsuspecting elderly people,” the foundation’s filing states, “in order to allow recipients such as Rep. Crockett to shield the true source of the funds.”
The FEC has not indicated whether it will move forward with a formal investigation, and Crockett’s office has not publicly responded to the complaint.
The allegations come amid growing scrutiny of ActBlue’s fundraising model, which allows supporters to set up recurring donations with minimal friction. Critics—mostly Republicans—say that the platform’s ease of use may also make it vulnerable to misuse, including the possibility of donation laundering or false identity contributions.
Although ActBlue has denied past claims of misconduct, calls for increased transparency in digital fundraising have been rising on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have voiced concerns about how easily online platforms can be used to mask donor identities or skirt contribution limits.
If the FEC finds wrongdoing, Crockett’s campaign could face penalties, including fines or mandated disclosure corrections. But regardless of the outcome, the complaint is likely to intensify the partisan battle over campaign finance transparency in the digital age.
The Democrat has become a firebrand in Congress. She recently found herself in hot water after attacking Governor Greg Abbott’s disability when talking about her home state.
As online giving becomes more central to modern campaigns, questions about how to ensure fair play—and prevent abuse—are likely to remain front and center.
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