Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign achieved a remarkable fundraising milestone in August, raising $361 million, a figure that significantly outpaces her Republican rival Donald Trump, who garnered $130 million during the same period. This fundraising surge has brought Harris’ campaign a substantial $404 million in cash reserves as the 2024 election nears, highlighting a dramatic shift in the campaign’s financial landscape.
Harris’ impressive August haul not only surpasses the $310 million raised in July but also sets a new benchmark for the 2024 election cycle. This total represents the largest single-month fundraising figure for either party this year. The campaign’s ability to generate such substantial contributions reflects the heightened enthusiasm and support for Harris, particularly following President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid and Harris’ subsequent rise as the Democratic frontrunner.
The campaign’s success is further underscored by the record-breaking grassroots support it has received. Nearly 3 million donors contributed in August, with 1.3 million of these being first-time contributors. This level of engagement is a testament to the campaign’s ability to mobilize new and existing supporters, especially during a period marked by high-profile events such as the announcement of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Harris’ running mate and her formal nomination at the Chicago convention.
In contrast, Donald Trump’s campaign has experienced a slowdown in fundraising momentum. His August figures, while still substantial, fell slightly short of the $138.7 million raised in July. This decline in the fundraising pace is notable, given that Trump’s campaign had previously enjoyed a surge in contributions around the time of his felony conviction in New York.
The Harris campaign plans to leverage its financial advantage through an extensive outreach strategy, including a massive $370 million digital and TV ad campaign and a “weekend of action” featuring 2,000 events. Additionally, the campaign has established over 312 offices and employs more than 2,000 staffers across key battleground states.
The final details of both candidates’ August fundraising efforts will be disclosed later this month in federal election filings. However, Harris’ formidable fundraising performance positions her campaign strongly as the election approaches, signaling a highly competitive race ahead.
Image Credit : Jacquelyn Martin/AP
