In the highly competitive race for California's 27th congressional district, Democratic candidate George Whitesides finds himself under scrutiny due to his association with billionaire Richard Branson, who has been linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the notorious NXIVM sex cult.
Whitesides, a former CEO of Branson's Virgin Galactic, has openly acknowledged the influence Branson has had on his career.
In a 2013 interview, Whitesides praised Branson, saying, I would say Richards had quite an influence on me. Hes a really amazing person and an amazing leader, and Ive learned a lot from him. I think what hes done with his career, from starting with very little resources at the front of his career to creating a mobile empire with the Virgin brand is incredible and its a testament to the guy.
Whitesides' campaign is largely self-funded, using the wealth he amassed during his tenure at Virgin Galactic, a space tourism company founded by Branson. Whitesides served as the company's first CEO from May 2010 to July 2020, and continued in advisory roles until he launched his congressional campaign in February 2023. Prior to his CEO role, Whitesides and his wife made history as the first couple to honeymoon in space, utilizing Virgin Galactic's space tourism service.
The 27th district, currently held by Republican Rep. Mike Garcia, is considered a toss-up. Garcia won the seat with a 53.2% majority against Democratic challenger Christy Smith. Whitesides is now vying for the seat alongside Garcia and another Democratic candidate in California's non-partisan primary. Prominent Democratic California Representatives, including Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, Eric Swalwell, Ted Lieu, Ro Khanna, Zoe Lofgren, Judy Chu, and Josh Harder, have endorsed Whitesides, according to his campaign website.
In 2023, Whitesides raised $3 million and contributed $270,000 to his own campaign, as per Federal Election Commission (FEC) records. During his decade-long tenure at Virgin Galactic, Whitesides received $8.3 million in compensation, as disclosed in corporate financial documents. His campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Branson's connection to Epstein has been a subject of controversy. His name appears in Epstein's "little black book" of influential contacts, and Epstein recorded three phone numbers for Branson. Epstein's former estate, Little St. James island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a mere 34 miles from Branson's island in the British Virgin Islands.
In 2013, three years after Epstein served jail time for child prostitution, the two allegedly had breakfast together, according to a court document from litigation between the U.S. Virgin Islands and JP Morgan Chase. Branson's name also appeared in a September 2013 email about a dinner Epstein was planning. However, a source from Branson's camp told the Daily Beast that Branson did not attend the dinner.
Epstein died in August 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges. His partner, socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her involvement with Epstein.
Branson's name also appears in court filings containing discredited allegations that Epstein recorded sex tapes of trafficked girls with prominent figures, including former President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, Branson, and former President Donald Trump. Epstein accuser Sarah Ransome admitted to the New Yorker that she fabricated the sex tape allegations to draw attention to Epstein's behavior.
Branson has also been linked to the NXIVM cult. He allegedly hosted parties for NXIVM members on his private island and took NXIVM classes. However, Branson has denied any connection to NXIVM and its leader, Keith Raniere.
A spokesperson for Virgin declined to comment on Branson's relationship with Whitesides and referred the Daily Caller to Branson's past statements about the Epstein and NXIVM allegations. Branson has not been accused of any criminal activity.
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