Trump-backed online donor platform launches at state level ahead of redistricting

By SCOTT BLAND04/17/2020 04:30 AM EDTLink CopiedThe GOP online donation platform endorsed by President Donald Trump is opening up to state legislative candidates and others outside federal office, hoping to drive a big financial boost for Republicans in the states ahead of the 2020 elections and next year’s redistricting.WinRed, which launched last year, is partnering with the Republican State Leadership Committee to make the platform available to state-level GOP candidates, another step in the group’s drive to get the entire Republican Party using one system for digital fundraising. By ALLY MUTNICK, SARAH FERRIS and JAMES ARKIN“Starting now, any local mayor, statehouse candidate, statewide race, or anyone running for dogcatcher has access to the same platform and tools the president of the United States does,” said Gerrit Lansing, WinRed’s president.Democratic online donors swamped Republican candidates around the country in the 2018 midterm elections, demonstrating the decisive role digital fundraising can play in elections.