Women Leading the Charge in Political Giving Circles: How One Actress is Making a Difference

Women are leading the charge in a new form of political giving that is reshaping state races across the country. J. Smith-Cameron, known for her role as Gerri on “Succession,” has spearheaded a giving circle called the State Fair, which has garnered support from over 400 donors in 2024. This initiative, run through the States Project, aims to flip state legislatures blue and has emerged as a major player in countering the right’s stronghold on state races.

The dominance of women in these giving circles is a stark contrast to the gender imbalance in traditional campaign contributions. While women typically lag behind men in political donations, they make up 82% of leaders and 75% of donors in the States Project’s giving circles. This trend reflects the heightened importance that liberal-leaning voters, especially women, are placing on state races in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidency and the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

The Supreme Court’s 2022 abortion decision has further fueled the movement, with the number of giving circles increasing significantly. These circles, such as Wake Up PA!, are pooling small donations to defend state legislatures and influence key races. The States Project, which channels funds to the PAC for America’s Future, is projected to raise over $10 million in 2024, with a significant portion already committed.

Women’s involvement in giving circles can be attributed to their social connectedness and desire to make a collective impact. These groups serve as learning circles, empowering women to engage in state-level politics and effect change. Despite criticism of out-of-state meddling, advocates argue that state laws have far-reaching implications and necessitate national attention.

Smith-Cameron and other leaders are using their platforms to raise awareness about the power of state-level giving. They believe that these initiatives represent a “secret weapon” that can drive significant change in state legislatures and shape the future of American politics.

In a landscape where women are leading the charge, giving circles are proving to be a powerful tool for grassroots activism and political engagement. As these initiatives continue to gain momentum, they are reshaping the political landscape and empowering individuals to make a tangible impact on state races across the country.