Kamala Harris raises $500M in a month, setting new fundraising record

By Vivek Dubey

CNBC-TV18.com

Published August 21, 2024

Unprecedented milestone

Harris’ election campaign raised about $500 million within a month of becoming the Democratic presidential candidate.

Strong initial support

Harris secured $200 million in the first week of her campaign, quickly establishing the financial backing needed to solidify her position.

July fundraising achievement

Harris’ team raised $310 million in July, pushing her and Joe Biden’s combined fundraising total to over $1 billion, the fastest milestone in US political history.

Post-Biden financial surge

After Biden stepped down, Harris’ campaign saw a surge in donations, reversing the fundraising decline that followed Biden’s debate against Trump.

Trump campaign’s July haul

Donald Trump’s campaign raised $138.7 million in July, with $327 million cash on hand, but this was still overshadowed by the combined efforts of Harris and Biden.

Ongoing donor enthusiasm

Harris’ campaign continued to gain support into August, fuelled by small-dollar donations and large turnouts at rallies in crucial swing states.

Current financial position

Harris’ campaign had $377 million in cash on hand as of July, providing resources to sustain her election efforts and continue mobilising voters effectively.

Biden’s 2020 fundraising record

In 2020, Biden’s campaign raised $1.04 billion, or $1.62 billion with outside groups.

Democratic National Convention

At Chicago, Harris praised Biden while he urged voters to support her and running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in the November election.

Obama’s fundraising assistance

Former President Obama, a key Democratic fundraiser, has pledged to support Harris by attending high-profile fundraisers.