Kamala Harris Raises $200 Million in First Week of Presidential Campaign
WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign has raised $200 million since she became the likely Democratic presidential nominee last week, a significant sum in her race against Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.
The campaign, which announced its latest fundraising total on Sunday, said a majority of the donations — 66% — were from first-time contributors in the 2024 election cycle and were made after President Joe Biden announced his departure from the race and endorsed Harris.
Over 170,000 volunteers have also signed up to assist the Harris campaign with phone banking, canvassing and other get-out-the-vote efforts. Election Day is 100 days away.
“The momentum and energy for Vice President Harris is real — and so are the fundamentals of this race: this election will be very close and decided by a small number of voters in just a few states,” Michael Tyler, the campaign’s communications director, wrote in a memo.
Harris campaigned in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on Saturday, drawing hundreds to a fundraiser that had been organized when Biden was still the Democratic frontrunner. The fundraiser was initially expected to raise $400,000 but ended up raising about $1.4 million, according to the campaign.
Harris quickly garnered Democratic support after Biden, whose candidacy faltered after his disastrous June 27 debate performance against Trump, exited the race. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former House Minority Whip Jim Clyburn, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton quickly announced their support.
Prominent Democratic fundraisers former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama announced their endorsement on Friday.
Harris at her Saturday fundraiser said she remained the “underdog” in the race but that her campaign was gaining traction.
Future Forward, the largest super PAC in Democratic politics, announced last week it had secured $150 million in commitments over the first 24 hours from donors after Biden withdrew and endorsed Harris.
Democratic House and Senate candidates say they have also seen an increase in support since Harris became the party’s likely nominee.