Protestors aim to ‘block Amazon’s bid on Biden’ as executive hosts Seattle fundraiser for the candidate

It’s only been a few days since Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant declared victory in her re-election campaign, but already she’s using Amazon’s attempt to elect her opponent as a rallying cry. The outspoken socialist leader is co-hosting a demonstration this weekend protesting an Amazon executive’s fundraiser for presidential candidate Joe Biden.

The event page invites supporters to come out in protest of the private fundraiser and “block Amazon’s bid on Biden.” It’s the first signal that Amazon’s involvement in Seattle elections this fall will have a lasting impact in the tech giant’s hometown.

The Democratic Socialists of America, along with Sawant and defeated City Council candidate Shaun Scott, will host a rally at Seattle’s Kerry Park on Saturday to call attention to a fundraiser Amazon General Counsel David Zapolsky is hosting for Biden on Nov. 15.

“Joe Biden is coming to Seattle for his 4th closed-door presidential campaign fundraiser of the year, without doing a single public event in the state,” Democratic Socialists of America say on the event page. “This $2,800 a plate dinner will be hosted by a millionaire Amazon executive who recently funneled big money into the Seattle City Council races to try to beat progressive candidates and silence Seattle’s workers.”

Zapolsky spent more than $10,000 on Seattle’s election last week, as did other Amazon executives. The company spent $1.45 million, through a political action committee, to replace the Seattle City Council with more business-friendly candidates.

The effort was largely unsuccessful, with just two of seven Amazon-backed candidates winning in the end. Sawant, a frequent Amazon antagonist, made a dramatic comeback despite record spending in support of her opponent.