In an unprecedented show of support, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign raised a staggering $81 million within the first 24 hours after incumbent President Joe Biden endorsed her as the Democratic Party’s new nominee.
This historic fundraising achievement highlights the significant momentum behind Harris as she steps into the presidential race.
President Biden’s decision to nominate Harris, 59, follows intense pressure from fellow Democrats after his recent challenging debate performance against his Republican rival, former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Harris’ campaign has quickly capitalized on this endorsement, rallying a broad coalition of supporters and generating a substantial financial boost.
“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,” said Kevin Munoz, spokesperson for Harris’ campaign.
The campaign’s media release detailed the impressive haul:
“Team Harris raised $81 million in its first 24 hours, adding to the near quarter-of-a-billion dollar war chest already amassed this election cycle. This reflects money raised across the campaign, Democratic National Committee, and joint fundraising committees.”
The influx of donations came from over 888,000 grassroots donors, 60% of whom made their first contribution of the 2024 cycle.
“Team Harris’ 24-hour raise is the highest 24-hour raise of any candidate in history,” the statement noted.
Furthermore, 43,000 new recurring donors signed up, with over half committing to weekly donations. A call hosted by Win with Black Women alone raised approximately $1.6 million in grassroots contributions.
Additionally, Harris for President’s official social media, @KamalaHQ, saw its following double overnight.
Kevin Munoz highlighted the campaign’s broad appeal:
“The historic outpour of support for Vice President Harris represents exactly the kind of grassroots energy and enthusiasm that wins elections. 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.”
While Biden’s endorsement strengthens Harris’ position as the Democratic nominee, she must still secure election by the party’s delegates during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago from August 19-22.
Biden has secured 3,896 delegates, well above the 1,976 required for the nomination.
To access campaign funds, the Biden-Harris campaign amended Federal Election Commission filings to rename its principal committee and officially declare Harris a candidate for president.
Following Biden’s decision, Harris, who has been serving as the U.S.’s first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president since 2021, quickly received the endorsement of former President Bill Clinton, further solidifying her path to the nomination.
The Association of State Democratic Committees (ASDC) announced that an “overwhelming majority” of state Democratic Party chairs have expressed their support for Harris as the nominee, underscoring the party’s unified front as they head into the convention.
