In Washington, Vice-President Kamala Harris has raised $200 million in the week since she entered the 2024 presidential race, reflecting a significant wave of enthusiasm among Democrats for their new presumptive nominee. This fundraising surge is helping counter a Republican push that saw Donald Trump take the lead in the money race.
Harris’ campaign, announcing the total on Sunday, described it as a “record-shattering haul,” with 66% of contributions coming from first-time donors, according to communications director Michael Tyler.
These figures build on the $81 million she raised on the first day after President Joe Biden exited the race, which the campaign called the largest 24-hour fundraising in history for any candidate.
This fundraising success shows how Democrats are rallying behind Harris, who launched her candidacy just a week ago after Biden decided not to seek re-election and endorsed her.
Harris has already secured enough delegate support to win the nomination and is currently searching for a running mate. She also received an endorsement from former President Barack Obama on Friday.
Biden’s campaign finances were hit hard by his debate performance and subsequent internal party conflict, causing donor reluctance due to concerns about his age, mental acuity, and ability to defeat Trump in November’s election.
Entering July, Biden’s campaign had $96 million cash on hand but had spent about 93% of what it raised in June. In contrast, Trump’s campaign spent just 46% of its June fundraising and had $128 million in the bank. Despite polls showing Trump gaining an edge after the debate, Biden’s campaign continued to spend heavily.