Campaign

Billionaire linked to Clarence Thomas donated to Cornel West’s campaign

by Filip Timotija - 10/18/23 3:59 PM ET

Harlan Crow, the billionaire political donor with controversial links to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, has given the maximum contribution to Cornel West’s campaign for president.

West received a $3,300 donation from the Republican megadonor in August, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings.

The donation came in weeks before West switched his party affiliation, from being a Green Party candidate to launching an independent bid. This is the second time West has switched his party affiliation since launching his presidential campaign in June.

Crow has previously called the longtime Princeton professor a “good friend,” according to The Wall Street Journal.

Crow’s friendship with Thomas, among the Supreme Court’s most conservative justices, has come under intense scrutiny this year in light of ProPublica reporting that revealed Thomas received gifts and took trips paid for by the billionaire.

Thomas did not disclose these gifts, stating that they fall under “personal hospitality” and therefore did not fall under current disclosure rules.

The real estate developer has also donated to other 2024 presidential candidates, including a number of Republicans.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) has reportedly received the largest contributions, with Crow donating $500 to his campaign and $100,000 to Christie-linked super PAC, Tell It Like Is PAC.

West’s presidential run has spurred concern among Democrats that it could pull votes away from President Biden in a general election.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently left the Democratic race to launch his own independent bid for president, has raised fears on both sides of the political spectrum.

A large portion of voters aren’t excited about voting for Biden or former President Trump, the leading contender for the GOP nomination, according to polls. And almost 15 percent of registered voters said they would vote for a third party or independent candidate in an NBC News poll last month.