Former WWE wrestling executive becoming GOP mega donor
STAMFORD, Conn. — Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who shook up Connecticut with two expensive and contentious, yet unsuccessful U.S. Senate races, has jumped into a larger political ring, becoming a sought-after Republican mega donor who’s involved in campaigns across the country, including the battle for president.
During this year’s campaign cycle, McMahon has attended the Republican National Convention and been a frequent guest at fundraisers for federal candidates, rubbing elbows with top GOP leaders like House Speaker Paul Ryan. She recently held a fundraiser at her Greenwich, Connecticut, home for Arizona Sen. John McCain, who had stumped for the former CEO of WWE during her 2010 and 2012 Senate campaigns.
McMahon also hosted an event for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, her admitted top choice in the Republican primary. Records show she contributed $550,000 to America Leads, a super PAC that supported Christie’s candidacy.
McMahon, 67, who has focused a lot of her efforts on helping Republican women get elected, said the impetus for this new phase of her political life mirrors why she first ran for the U.S. Senate.