Harris Gains Fundraising Lead with $82 Million from DNC, Boosting Campaign Ahead of Debate

Vice President Kamala Harris has seen a remarkable surge in fundraising efforts, amassing $82 million during the recent Democratic National Convention held in Chicago. Since launching her presidential bid, Harris has raised a staggering $540 million. This record-setting figure includes contributions from various sources, including the Democratic National Committee and joint fundraising committees, which feature independent Super PACs that help bypass federal donation limits.

One standout moment from the convention was the hour immediately following Harris’ speech, which became the most lucrative fundraising period of her campaign to date. Campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon reported that a significant portion—one-third—of the donations collected during the convention came from first-time donors. Notably, two-thirds of these new donors were women, and among them, teachers and nurses were the most common professions.

The financial gap between Harris and her main rival, former President Donald Trump, is significant. In July, Harris’ main fundraising committee alone reported $204 million, a sum nearly four times greater than Trump’s $48 million. When combined with funds from allied committees, Harris raised a total of $310 million in July, overshadowing Trump’s $138 million.

In terms of polling, Harris has gained traction, surpassing Trump in several crucial battleground states, though the race remains tight with close margins. This financial edge and polling advantage reflect growing Democratic enthusiasm and support for Harris.

The campaign is gearing up for a critical moment with the upcoming debate between Harris and Trump on September 10 in Philadelphia. This debate, to be aired on ABC, will be a key opportunity for both candidates to present their platforms and engage with voters as the election season progresses.