On July 21, President Biden announced his intention to drop out of the 2024 Presidential race. The same day, Kamala Harris, Biden’s Vice President, became the presumed Democratic nominee — and record donations flooded in.
“Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” said Biden in a post following his resignation announcement.
Harris Brings In Record Donations
ActBlue, a website with a purpose of supporting Democratic candidates, set up the fundraising page to “Support Kamala Harris” after announcing her intention to run and has raised nearly $50 million in less than 24 hours. To date, the organization has raised over $14 billion — and counting — for Democratic candidates.
“We want as many groups as possible to be able to create strong grassroots fundraising programs. Our platform is available to Democratic candidates and committees, progressive organizations, and nonprofits that share our values,” ActBlue writes on their website.
ActBlue reported that following Biden’s announcement to step down, millions in campaign donations had poured in within hours.
“As of 9pm ET, grassroots supporters have raised $46.7 million through ActBlue following Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign launch. This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election”, said ActBlue via their X account.
A Wave of Support
The donation page posted by ActBlue for Kamala states, “Let’s do this! Campaigns are costly, and support is crucial. Join us in funding Kamala Harris’s 2024 journey to the White House. She will fight for reproductive justice, equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. Fund Kamala. Donate today to make a difference.”
Supporters were quick to make campaign contributions big both and small to see Kamala’s campaign succeed. According to ActBlue, the influx of financial support came from a record number of individuals, including first-time donors.
Related: Billionaires Endorse Trump After Assassination Attempt
“10 bucks, first time ever donating, but our individual contributions, no matter the amount, show how united we are,” said user LemonNo1432 on a Reddit page titled, Harris Campaign Rakes in Nearly $50 million in 7 Hours on ActBlue.
“Added a little bit to the bag, myself. Every little bit helps tell the party and their delegates that she has the support,” responded Frankyfan3 on the same Reddit thread.
An Unlikely Donor
In an a surprisingly reveal, campaign donation records show that Republican nominee Donald Trump donated $6,000 to support Harris while she was running for the attorney general of California.
“California records show that Trump contributed $5,000 in September 2011 toward Harris’ 2014 reelection campaign, and followed up with another $1,000 in February 2013. His daughter Ivanka Trump also donated to the campaign, contributing $2,000 in 2014”, said NPR.
Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz tweeted a photo of the check Trump had written to Kamala, captioning it with “Was a wise investment.”
In 2020, a Harris campaign spokesperson told the Sacramento Bee that Harris did not keep Trump’s money. Instead, Harris opted to donate the funds to human and civil rights charity organization.
Harris won the election for attorney general in both 2011 and 2014. She served until 2017, when she was sworn into the U.S. Senate. She has served as President Joe Biden’s Vice President since 2020.
The question now is if Harris will inherit Biden’s $240 million in campaign donations, in addition to the flood of funds that have come in since July 22.
Act Blue posted a follow upon X saying that Kamala’s campaign had raised $81 million within the first 24 hours. By the 36th hour, that figure topped a record-breaking $100 million.
Related: House Speaker Mike Johnson Says Republicans Will Legally Challenge Kamala Harris’s Candidacy
