Actor Mark Ruffalo, known for his role in the latest Spider-Man film, appeared at an online fundraiser supporting Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates running in Michigan races, where he declared that progressive movements have been building momentum since 2016.
The fundraiser, held via live video, featured several Michigan DSA candidates, including Abdul El-Sayed, who is running for U.S. State Senate, congressional candidate William Lawrence, and State House candidate Donavan McKinney. Ruffalo used the platform to express his enthusiasm for what he characterized as a growing socialist movement within American politics.
Actor Celebrates Progressive Movement Growth
During the event, left-wing commentator Krystal Ball noted the increasing success of DSA candidates in primary elections against establishment Democratic opponents. According to Breitbart, this observation prompted Ruffalo to express optimism about the trajectory of progressive politics in the United States.
“This is our movement coming to bear fruit. I mean, this is what we started in 2016. This is where the progressives have been moving. This is our time,” Ruffalo said during the fundraiser. He added that opposition forces “have to spend more and more money each time to beat us. And it’s just a matter of time till they flop, and this could be it.”
Actor’s Political Advocacy History
Ruffalo has maintained a consistent record of political activism over recent years, particularly in support of progressive causes and candidates. He has publicly advocated for higher taxes on wealthy Americans and has lent his voice to various international socialist movements.
His political engagement has extended to supporting Brazil’s socialist president and participating in the “Let Cuba Live” campaign. Additionally, Ruffalo has been an outspoken critic of Republican policies and former President Donald Trump, with particular focus on immigration policy positions.
Financial Background and Activism
According to Breitbart, Ruffalo reportedly earned $12 million for his appearance in the most recent Spider-Man film. His total net worth is estimated at approximately $35 million. Despite his advocacy for wealth redistribution and higher taxes on high earners, the outlet noted that there is no public record of the actor having donated his entire fortune to charitable causes.
Michigan Political Landscape
The fundraiser highlights the growing presence of Democratic Socialist candidates in state and local races across Michigan. Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate campaign represents part of a broader effort by DSA-affiliated politicians to secure positions at various levels of government.
The event also featured William Lawrence, who is seeking a congressional seat, and Donavan McKinney, who is running for a position in the Michigan State House. The presence of multiple DSA candidates on a single fundraising platform suggests coordinated organizing efforts within the state.
Ball’s observation about DSA candidates increasingly defeating establishment Democrats in primary contests reflects a tension within the Democratic Party between its traditional wing and its more progressive faction. This dynamic has played out in various races across the country since 2016, when Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign energized the democratic socialist movement within American politics.
Ruffalo’s comments suggest he views current developments as a continuation of momentum that began during that election cycle, with the actor characterizing 2016 as a starting point for what he described as a progressive movement now reaching maturity.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2026/08/04/video-spider-man-brand-new-day-star-mark-ruffalo-backs-democratic-socialist-candidates-during-abdul-el-sayed-fundraiser/