Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign announced an impressive $310 million raised in July, more than doubling the fundraising total of her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump. This robust fundraising effort has energized the Democratic base and showcased the transformative impact of Harris's candidacy on the party's fundraising capabilities.
The Harris campaign revealed that over $200 million of the July total was amassed in the first week following her official entry into the race. This swift influx of donations, two-thirds of which came from first-time contributors, brings the campaign's cash on hand to $377 million. The surge in donations underscores the renewed enthusiasm among Democratic supporters, buoyed by President Joe Biden's decision not to seek reelection and his endorsement of Harris on July 21.
Prior to Biden's announcement, Democratic donors were hesitant, expressing concerns about his viability as a candidate and withholding significant contributions. However, Harris's entry into the race has revitalized fundraising efforts, with the campaign's July total surpassing the $138.7 million raised by Trump's political operation during the same period. Trump's campaign reported $327 million cash on hand, highlighting a competitive but less fruitful fundraising month.
Harris's campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, emphasized the historic nature of the fundraising achievement. "This is a history-making haul for a candidate who will make history this November," she stated. "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."
The July fundraising figures also highlight key demographic trends, with significant increases in contributions from Gen Z and millennial donors compared to June. Additionally, 60% of donors were women, reflecting the diverse coalition backing Harris. The campaign noted that groups like Black Women for Harris, Latinas for Harris, and White Dudes for Harris collectively raised over $20 million.
In terms of grassroots support, 94% of donations were under $200, with teachers and nurses being the most common professions among supporters. Harris's address to the American Federation of Teachers, which boasts over 1.8 million members, likely contributed to this strong grassroots backing.
Trump's July fundraising, while significant, was bolstered by notable events, including his acceptance of the Republican nomination at the Republican National Convention and the announcement of his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. Additionally, an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, where Trump was injured, also galvanized his base.
Despite the record-breaking fundraising in July, Harris's campaign faces the challenge of maintaining this momentum. Brendan Glavin, deputy research director at OpenSecrets, remarked on the unprecedented nature of the $200 million raised in the first week of Harris's candidacy. He cautioned, "The campaign will have to maintain momentum and convince donors to keep giving throughout the fall, when fundraising is traditionally at its peak."
Harris's political operation now boasts over 260 coordinated campaign offices and more than 1,400 staff members in battleground states. This expansive infrastructure aims to capitalize on the fundraising surge and ensure a robust ground game leading up to the November election.
