Washington, Aug 26: Kamala Harris’s campaign for the U.S. presidency has announced an unprecedented fundraising achievement, securing $540 million in just over a month. This substantial sum, described as a record for any presidential campaign, was amassed following President Joe Biden’s exit from the race and his endorsement of Harris on July 21.
Harris, the current Vice President and Democratic candidate, is set to face Republican contender Donald Trump in the upcoming election. With just 10 weeks left until Election Day on November 5, the significant fundraising milestone positions Harris as a formidable competitor.
According to campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, the campaign surpassed the $500 million mark on August 22, coinciding with Harris’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. The campaign saw its most successful fundraising hour immediately following her speech.
Dillon highlighted that a third of the donations came from first-time contributors, reflecting a broad base of support. The campaign’s success marks a turnaround from a challenging period earlier in the summer, when fundraising efforts were hindered by a poor debate performance by Biden and major donors reportedly paused their contributions.
The Harris campaign has also witnessed a surge in grassroots support, with many volunteers joining the effort during the convention. Dillon emphasized the contrast with Trump’s campaign, which reportedly has a limited battleground infrastructure.
Polling data indicates a tight race between Harris and Trump, with the two candidates neck and neck as they approach their September 10 debate in Philadelphia. Harris, a former senator from California and prosecutor, has gained momentum since replacing Biden on the Democratic ticket, narrowing the polling gap that Trump previously enjoyed.
As both campaigns gear up for the final stretch, Harris’s record-breaking fundraising underscores her campaign’s robust support and strong financial backing heading into the crucial final weeks before the election.