STAT+: UnitedHealth executives shower high-ranking Democrat with donations ahead of midterms

Sept. 8, 2026 Bob Herman is the author of Health Care Inc., an award-winning weekly newsletter about the business of health and medicine. Bob covers the money in health care, focusing on health insurance and hospitals. His stories delve into Medicare Advantage, opaque prescription drug benefits, and how much executives actually make. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09.UnitedHealth Group’s top executives, including CEO Stephen Hemsley, and company board members recently flooded the campaign coffers of Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, the No. 2 Democrat in the House who just beat two opponents in a closely watched primary race. More than 40 officials and board members across UnitedHealth cumulatively donated more than $100,000 to Clark’s campaign during the 2025-2026 election cycle, a STAT analysis of federal records shows. Leading the way was Hemsley and his wife, Barbara, who donated $7,000 each to Clark’s political fund. Hemsley is worth almost $1 billion between his previously exercised stock and remaining stock ownership in UnitedHealth. The only other federal politician who received even half that amount from UnitedHealth employees this election period was Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), who is not up for reelection this November. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe