Kamala Harris Seizes the Democratic Momentum
US Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has raised a staggering $81 million within just 24 hours following President Joe Biden’s announcement to step aside from the 2024 presidential race and endorse his deputy as the Democratic Party’s new nominee.
A media release detailed that over 888,000 grassroots donors contributed during this period, with 60% making their first donation of the 2024 cycle. This unprecedented financial support signals a strong start for Harris’s campaign, backed by a surge of new and recurring donors.
Biden’s Endorsement Sparks Massive Support
Biden’s decision to nominate Harris came after weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats, following a disappointing debate performance against Republican rival Donald Trump. The endorsement has galvanized the party, with Harris’s campaign seeing an immediate and historic boost in funding.
Kevin Munoz, spokesperson for Harris’s campaign, highlighted the significance of this support: “There is a groundswell behind Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is terrified because he knows his divisive and unpopular agenda can’t stand up to the vice president’s record and vision for the American people.”
Unprecedented Fundraising Milestone
“Team Harris raised USD 81 million in its first 24 hours, adding to the near quarter-of-a-billion dollar war chest already amassed this election cycle. This haul reflects money raised across the campaign, Democratic National Committee, and joint fundraising committees,” a media release stated.
The campaign’s ability to mobilize grassroots support is evident, with over 43,000 new recurring donors signing up, many committing to weekly contributions. A call hosted by Win with Black Women alone raised approximately $1.6 million in grassroots donations. Additionally, Harris’s official campaign social media, @KamalaHQ, saw its following double overnight.
Historic Support and Momentum
“The historic outpour of support for Vice President Harris represents exactly the kind of grassroots energy and enthusiasm that wins elections,” Munoz stated. “Already, we are seeing a broad and diverse coalition come together to support our critical work of talking to the voters that will decide this election.”
Despite Biden’s endorsement almost guaranteeing her nomination, Harris still needs to secure the votes of the party’s delegates during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, scheduled from August 19-22. Biden has already secured 3,896 delegates, well over the 1,976 required to win the party’s nomination.
Strategic Moves and Broad Endorsements
In a strategic move to access campaign funds, the Biden-Harris campaign amended filings with the Federal Election Commission to rename its principal committee, formally declaring Harris as a candidate for president. This transition has been further strengthened by the endorsement of former President Bill Clinton, easing Harris’s path to securing delegate support.
An “overwhelming majority” of state Democratic Party chairs have also expressed their support for Harris as the nominee, according to the Association of State Democratic Committees (ASDC).
Kamala Harris’s rapid fundraising success underscores the enthusiasm and energy within the Democratic Party as they rally behind her leadership. With strong grassroots support and significant endorsements, Harris is poised to lead a dynamic and diverse coalition into the 2024 election.
