The largest tribal donor in American politics has reopened its checkbook in the aftermath of the November election. But the money flowing from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria is suddenly going to very different candidates and causes.
The tribe, which operates the Bay Area’s largest casino outside Rohnert Park, gave $5.85 million to federal candidates and political committees in 2023-24 — more than any other sovereign tribe — and just under $2 million to California races during the same time frame. Those contributions went almost exclusively to Democrats and liberal causes, making the tribe a powerful force in progressive politics and one of the top donors overall in California.
