Her funds are increasing.
Since President Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, Harris’ campaign has secured nearly $50 million in grassroots donations, according to Fox News Digital.
Following Biden’s endorsement of Harris, her campaign reported that everyday Americans have contributed $49.6 million through various grassroots channels, including platforms like ActBlue.
Harris officially launched her presidential bid on Sunday, shortly after Biden revealed his decision to step back from the 2024 race. This move came amid mounting pressure from Democratic leaders and lawmakers, who increasingly urged Biden, at 81, to step aside. Concerns were growing within the party about Biden’s ability to win against former President Trump, who is the 2024 GOP nominee and whom Biden defeated four years ago.
In his endorsement, Biden expressed full support for Harris, stating in a public letter, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. While I had intended to seek re-election, I believe stepping down is in the best interest of my party and the nation, allowing me to focus solely on my current duties.”
Biden plans to formally address the nation about his decision later this week. On social media, he reaffirmed his support for Harris, emphasizing that his choice of her as his vice president in 2020 was among his best decisions. He called on Democrats to unite and defeat Trump, saying, “Let’s do this.”
Biden’s endorsement is expected to discourage other Democrats who might have considered running for the nomination, potentially clearing the way for Harris. She has already received support from more than seven governors, including California’s Gavin Newsom and New York’s Kathy Hochul, as well as over 178 Democratic lawmakers.
Harris responded to Biden’s announcement by expressing her honor at receiving his endorsement and pledging to work tirelessly to secure the nomination and unite the party. She praised Biden’s leadership and legacy, calling it unparalleled in modern American history.
Biden and Harris reportedly spoke several times on Sunday before his announcement. Following Biden’s endorsement, notable Democratic figures, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, expressed their support for Harris. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and a major donor to Biden’s campaign, also endorsed her.
However, former President Obama has yet to endorse Harris, instead advocating for a process to select the best nominee. Obama expressed confidence in the party’s ability to find an outstanding candidate.
Meanwhile, prominent Democrats such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have not yet announced their support for Harris.
In terms of fundraising, the $50 million raised by Harris’ campaign in such a short time is comparable to the $53 million raised by Trump’s campaign in the first 24 hours after his conviction in the New York case. Additionally, Biden’s campaign reported $91 million in cash on hand, and including allied Democratic committees, the total rises to $240 million. Harris has immediate access to these funds, as well as the $50 million raised since her campaign launch.
