After spending over $1 billion in her failed 2024 presidential campaign, Kamala Harris is now back on the fundraising circuit, raising questions about her future political ambitions and spending practices.
At a Glance
- Harris raised $633 million between July and September 2024, outpacing Trump by $488 million
- Her campaign spent lavishly, including $100,000 for a podcast set and $3.9 million on social media influencers
- Harris is headlining a DNC fundraiser in New York with tickets costing upwards of $25,000 per person
- She is considering potential runs for California Governor in 2026 and President again in 2028
- Despite her defeat, Harris remains a significant fundraising force within the Democratic Party
Record-Breaking Fundraising During 2024 Campaign
Kamala Harris emerged as a fundraising powerhouse during her brief 2024 presidential campaign. Between July and September alone, the Harris Victory Fund raised $633 million, surpassing Donald Trump’s fundraising by $488 million in the same period. This represents a 336.6% increase over Trump’s efforts and even exceeded the Biden campaign’s fundraising in 2020. Her campaign attracted high-profile donors from various sectors, particularly drawing support from Hollywood, technology, and philanthropy.
“Vice President Kamala Harris, who assumed the Democratic presidential nomination over the summer, emerged as a financial powerhouse,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.
Notable contributors to Harris’s campaign included Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel, crypto billionaire Tim Draper, and philanthropists Melinda French Gates and Laurene Powell Jobs. Her campaign’s focus on progressive causes attracted wealthy donors, though this reliance on large donations became a point of criticism. In contrast, Trump’s Trump 47 committee raised $145 million over the summer, with significant support from figures like Marc Andreessen, Bill Ackman, and Dana White.
Questionable Campaign Spending Practices
Despite the impressive fundraising numbers, Harris’s campaign faced scrutiny for how it spent its massive war chest. The campaign burned through over $1 billion in less than four months, with numerous expenses raising eyebrows. Unconventional spending included $100,000 for a podcast set and $3.9 million on social media influencers. The campaign also invested heavily in celebrity events and high-profile media appearances that ultimately failed to translate into electoral success.
While Trump’s campaign also raised substantial funds, his operation benefited significantly from super PACs. America PAC, led by Elon Musk, played a crucial role in Trump’s fundraising efforts, with Musk personally contributing $75 million. Other major Trump donors included Miriam Adelson and Dick Uihlein, who made substantial donations to supporting super PACs. Some pro-Trump super PACs, like Right for America, employed investment strategies to grow their financial resources rather than spending immediately.
Harris’s Political Future and Current Fundraising
Despite her electoral defeat, Harris is quickly returning to the political stage. She is headlining a Democratic National Committee fundraising dinner in New York City, where tickets cost upwards of $25,000 per person. This high-profile event signals her intention to remain a central figure in Democratic politics. Harris is reportedly considering multiple political paths, including a potential run for California governor in 2026 and another presidential bid in 2028.
Early polls already show Harris leading potential contenders for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, though these results are largely based on name recognition at this early stage. Other Democrats generating 2028 speculation include Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Harris is currently meeting with advisors to determine her political future, with a decision on a gubernatorial run expected by the end of summer.
Mixed Reactions Within Democratic Party
While Harris maintains strong support within sections of the Democratic Party, not all party members are enthusiastic about her continued prominence. Some progressive leaders have expressed skepticism about a potential Harris 2028 presidential bid. Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, suggested that Harris represents the party’s establishment and had her opportunity in 2024.
Despite these mixed reactions, Harris has pledged to remain politically active and committed to the Democratic Party. The DNC is using funds from events like the New York fundraiser to strengthen ground operations and messaging for upcoming elections. As the Democratic Party works to regain political ground after losing the White House and Senate in 2024, Harris’s fundraising capabilities remain a valuable asset, regardless of her personal political ambitions.
