Epstein-linked billionaire pours $500K into super PAC backing Kentucky Democrat: 'Dirty Epstein-class money'
Kentucky GOP Candidate Blasts LinkedIn Co‑Founder’s $500,000 Donation to Democratic Super PAC as “Dirty Epstein Class Money”
A $500,000 contribution from LinkedIn co‑founder Reid Hoffman to an independent super‑PAC has sparked a heated exchange in Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District, with Republican nominee Ralph Alvarado calling the money “dirty Epstein class” and demanding that Democrat Zach Dembo publicly disavow the support.
The donation, made on September 24, 2026, went to Kentuckians Not Corruption, a super‑PAC that backs Dembo’s campaign and opposes Alvarado. The PAC is not part of Dembo’s campaign committee, and federal filings indicate that the candidate did not solicit or direct the contribution.
Super‑PAC’s TV blitz explodes after the gift
Kentuckians Not Corruption’s advertising activity grew dramatically in the weeks surrounding Hoffman's gift. Federal Communications Commission records show the PAC ordered $14,650 of television ads on Lexington’s WLEX‑TV during the week of September 15–21. That figure climbed to $26,450 for September 22–28—the week the donation was made—then to $35,820 for September 29–October 5. By the week of October 6–12, orders surged to $109,990, a more than sevenfold increase over mid‑September levels. The PAC’s total spending on advertising in the race reached roughly $1.6 million by mid‑October, according to public filings.
Alvarado’s accusations
In a Fox News Digital interview, Alvarado blasted the donation, saying, “This is really, it’s dirty Epstein class money fueling Zach Dembo’s campaign. It’s offensive.” He added that Hoffman was “one of Jeffrey Epstein’s best friends,” citing photographs of the billionaire at Epstein’s private island and in Manhattan. Alvarado also referenced a Justice Department release suggesting Hoffman had sent Epstein a shipment of ice cream on Christmas Eve, describing it as “a note that said it was either for yourself or for the girls.”
“We should see how this money is used and if we should call Dembo to disavow it,” Alvarado said. “The least they could do is apologize.” He called for Dembo’s team to “return the donation or retract the ‘Epstein class’ attack.”
Dembo’s campaign remains silent
Despite repeated outreach from Fox News Digital, Dembo’s campaign has not issued a statement regarding the donation or Alvarado’s calls for a disavowal. Dembo, a former federal prosecutor and Navy veteran, has made the fight against political corruption and the influence of wealthy donors the centerpiece of his congressional bid. His platform calls for ending “dark money” in politics and reducing tax breaks that favor “billionaires and coastal elites,” while emphasizing support for working families.
Context of the race
The 6th Congressional District, which includes Lexington, has been represented by Republican Andy Barr since 2013. Dembo, who is running to replace Barr, faces Alvarado, a former state senator. The district’s seat has drawn heightened attention from national groups as Democrats aim to flip the Republican‑held district in the upcoming November election.
Looking ahead
As the campaign season intensifies, the controversy over Hoffman's donation and Alvarado’s labeling of the money as “Epstein class” underscores the broader national debate over dark money and the role of wealthy donors in elections. Whether Dembo’s campaign will respond or alter its fundraising strategy remains to be seen, but the dispute has already added a new chapter to the district’s political narrative.
