Kamala Harris and Democratic groups have raised over $1 billion for her campaign, maintaining a significant financial advantage over Donald Trump as the presidential election nears its end. In September alone, they raised more than $359 million, with Harris’ campaign bringing in about $222 million. Despite spending more than it took in last month, primarily on advertising, the Harris campaign and affiliated committees started October with $346 million on hand. In comparison, the Trump campaign and Republican groups raised $160 million in September and had $283 million in the bank at the beginning of October.
The Harris campaign did not preview its quarterly fundraising haul before filing finance records, but did reveal that 95% of its third quarter donations were under $200. With over 6 million donors making more than 13.1 million contributions, including 4.3 million first-time donors this election cycle, Harris’ fundraising efforts have shown broad-based support. Additionally, Harris received a boost in donations from star-studded fundraising events in late September, including raising $55 million in one weekend in California and $27 million each in events in Los Angeles and San Francisco, attended by celebrities like Lily Tomlin, Stevie Wonder, and Nancy Pelosi.
Despite the significant fundraising advantage maintained by Harris and the Democrats, the Trump campaign has also shown fundraising momentum, increasing their September total from $130 million in August to $160 million. With $283 million in the bank at the beginning of October, Trump and Republican groups are prepared for the final stretch of the campaign. The financial resources available to both campaigns will be crucial in funding advertising efforts and mobilizing supporters in the remaining days leading up to the election.
The fundraising success of the Harris campaign has been attributed to a combination of small-dollar donations and high-profile fundraising events. By emphasizing grassroots support with the majority of donations coming in at under $200, Harris has demonstrated widespread enthusiasm for her candidacy. Additionally, the star-studded events featuring celebrity endorsements have helped boost donations in key fundraising markets like California and New York. The support from both small donors and high-profile figures has contributed to the record-breaking fundraising totals for Harris and the Democratic Party.
Looking ahead to the final weeks of the campaign, the financial advantage held by Harris and the Democrats will enable them to continue their aggressive advertising efforts and mobilization strategies. With the Harris campaign and affiliated committees starting October with $346 million on hand, they have a substantial war chest to draw from for the crucial get-out-the-vote push in swing states. The Trump campaign will also continue to leverage their fundraising momentum and significant resources to compete in key battlegrounds, making the final sprint to election day a highly competitive and well-funded race on both sides.
Ultimately, the fundraising prowess demonstrated by both campaigns highlights the intense competition and high stakes of the 2020 presidential election. As the candidates make their closing arguments and ramp up their efforts to reach voters in the final days of the campaign, the financial resources at their disposal will play a critical role in determining the outcome. With record-breaking fundraising totals on both sides, the race for the White House remains highly competitive, with each campaign focused on maximizing their resources to secure victory on November 3.
