MPR News, July 2026
Anyone who has ever shown a slight interest in politics might be watching their email inbox fill up with pleas for money. Political fundraising emails are out in full force with urgent appeals to shake loose small-dollar donations. They go to people who perhaps signed up for updates from a political candidate, visited a campaign website or previously donated to a political cause. The subject lines stand out:
“Please read before deleting.”
“We really need your help”
“Trump said WHAT?!”
And it’s not just from candidates the email recipient has previously supported. A Minnesota voter might get hit up by campaigns in Texas, California or Florida. Welcome to the world of political fundraising emails. The emails are personalized. Sometimes pleading or desperate. Or from time-to-time they are shaming. They can be manipulative or look like a phishing attempt.
