Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign saw a significant increase in fundraising following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Within a week, the campaign had raised $200 million, with 66% of donations coming from first-time contributors for the 2024 cycle. This surge in support reflected the organic grassroots enthusiasm for Harris’s candidacy, according to the campaign’s communications director, Michael Tyler.
The Harris campaign also saw a boost in volunteer numbers, with 170,000 new volunteers joining and plans for 2,300 events in battleground states. In contrast, President Biden struggled to attract donors after a poor debate performance against Donald Trump, ultimately dropping out of the race. Despite outspending Trump nearly six to one in June, Biden was still behind in the polls during that time.
Following Biden’s exit, Harris quickly garnered the support of top Democrats and became the presumptive Democratic nominee for the presidency. With just 100 days left until the election on Nov. 5, Harris must now select a running mate. The Democratic National Committee’s rules panel has voted to hold a virtual roll call to officially crown the nominee before the convention in Chicago next month.
Harris’s significant fundraising boost and support from the Democratic Party have positioned her as a formidable candidate against Trump, who currently holds a narrow lead over her in national polls. The campaign noted the importance of energizing supporters and ensuring that the election is decided by a small number of voters in key swing states. The virtual roll call to confirm Harris as the nominee is expected to take place in early August.
Despite being a relatively new candidate in the race, Harris has managed to build a strong campaign team, attract a large number of enthusiastic supporters, and secure crucial endorsements from party leaders. Her ability to mobilize Democratic voters and generate such a substantial fundraising total in a short period indicates a significant level of excitement and momentum behind her candidacy. As the election draws closer, Harris will continue to focus on reaching out to voters, building a strong coalition, and presenting a compelling case for her presidency.
