Harris raises $310 million in July to bolster campaign against Trump

Harris raises $310 million in July to bolster campaign against Trump

WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris ‘ campaign announced Friday that it raised $310 million last month, an eyepopping sum showing that donors who once seemed spooked about the prospects for November’s election with President Joe Biden are now offering mountains of cash to boost his former No. 2.

The haul by Harris, the Democratic National Committee and affiliated entities far outpaced Republican former President Donald Trump, whose campaign and assorted committees said they took in $138.7 million for July.

The vice president’s campaign also says it entered August with $377 million in cash on hand, which it described as the most for any presidential candidate at this point in the cycle. It was also well above the $327 million Trump’s team announced having to start the month.

“The tremendous outpouring of support we’ve seen in just a short time makes clear the Harris coalition is mobilized, growing, and ready to put in the work to defeat Trump this November,” Harris campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said in a statement. “Our money is going to the work that wins close elections.”

Trump’s totals for July were augmented by an assassination attempt against the former president during a rally in Pennsylvania, which galvanized some of his fiercest supporters, and by his subsequent revealing of his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Harris’ team, meanwhile, is hoping for another jolt early next week, when she’s expected to announce her own running mate, and during the Democratic convention, which opens in Chicago on Aug. 19.

The figures released by both campaigns this week do not include full Federal Elections Commission fillings, which will come later this month. That makes it difficult to determine how much of Harris’ haul came after Biden announced on July 21 that he was abandoning his reelection bid and endorsing Harris.

That decision followed weeks of some top Democratic donors, as well as dozens of members of Congress, urging the 81-year-old president to step aside after his dismal debate performance on June 27.

Still, Harris’ team had previously announced that it took in more than $200 million during her first week as a presidential candidate, meaning that the lion’s share of July’s strong haul came after the vice president took over the top of the ticket. She is looking to reset the race against Trump, stepping up her travel schedule and sharply criticizing the Republican nominee as she leans more heavily into telling her personal and professional story.

The vice president is set to become her party’s formal presidential nominee through virtual voting by Democratic convention delegates, set to conclude Monday.

Her campaign said that two-thirds of its July donations came from first-time contributors in the 2024 election cycle. In all, the month saw more than 3 million donors make more than 4.2 million contributions — with more than 2 million donors making their first donation this cycle, while 94% of July’s donations were under $200.

The campaign said 60% of its donors in July were women as Harris prepares to be the first woman of color to be nominated for president by a major political party.

Since her presidential campaign began, Harris’ fundraising has been bolstered by virtual fundraisers organized around supporters of distinct backgrounds including Black Women for Harris, Latinas for Harris and even a White Dudes for Harris. Together they raised more than $20 million, her campaign said.

Fundraising aside, the Harris campaign said that by last weekend it had signed up 170,000 new volunteers and held 2,300 events mobilizing thousands of supporters across battleground states.

In a significant show of strength and support, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris raised an impressive $310 million in the month of July to bolster her campaign against incumbent President Donald Trump. This fundraising haul is a clear indication of the growing momentum behind Harris as she seeks to secure the Democratic nomination and ultimately defeat Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

Harris’ fundraising success in July is particularly noteworthy given the competitive nature of the Democratic primary field. With over 20 candidates vying for the nomination, fundraising has become a key metric by which candidates are measured. Harris’ ability to raise such a substantial amount in just one month demonstrates her broad appeal and ability to mobilize a diverse base of supporters.

The funds raised by Harris will be crucial in helping her campaign build out its infrastructure, expand its outreach efforts, and compete effectively in key primary states. With the first caucuses and primaries just months away, having a strong financial foundation is essential for any candidate looking to mount a successful campaign.

Harris’ fundraising success also sends a clear message to President Trump and his campaign team. As one of the top contenders for the Democratic nomination, Harris is positioning herself as a formidable opponent to Trump in the general election. Her ability to raise significant amounts of money will allow her to compete with Trump on a level playing field and effectively communicate her message to voters across the country.

In addition to her fundraising prowess, Harris has also been gaining momentum in recent weeks with strong debate performances and a series of policy proposals that have resonated with Democratic voters. Her focus on issues such as criminal justice reform, healthcare, and economic inequality has helped her stand out in a crowded field and attract support from a wide range of voters.

As the 2020 election continues to heat up, Harris’ fundraising success in July is a clear sign that she is a force to be reckoned with. With a strong financial foundation and growing momentum behind her campaign, Harris is well-positioned to take on President Trump and make a compelling case for why she should be the next President of the United States.