Almost 500 delegates from across California are heading to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, which starts Sunday and will include many representatives from the Bay Area. While these delegates are primarily focused on the presidential race, a group of volunteer bakers on the Peninsula is dedicated to supporting other Democratic candidates running for office in November.

Dina Jacobson in Los Altos is spearheading small-dollar donations for the Democratic Party through her grassroots fundraising initiative, “Bake Back Better.” Since 2020, Jacobson and her team of volunteers have baked and delivered thousands of cupcakes to thank donors who contribute to their monthly campaign causes. To date, they have raised over $340,000 for various campaigns.

“It’s exciting to see how much money can be generated when so many people are passionate about a sweet cause,” Jacobson said.

For Jacobson and her volunteers, their sweet efforts are aimed at registering voters as Democrats and supporting candidates in competitive state legislative races.

“That’s where the real impact is,” she explained. “When you get people to vote for down-ballot candidates, they will often support the top of the ticket as well. The reverse isn’t always true.”

In the past three weeks, “Bake Back Better” has experienced an unprecedented surge in activity.

“Since Kalama secured the top spot, it’s like Bake Back Better is on steroids,” Jacobson noted. “I’m hearing from people everywhere. It’s a cupcake frenzy right now.”