Within seven hours of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign launch, small-dollar donors gave nearly $47 million through ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, the company announced.
As of 9 p.m. ET on July 21, ActBlue reported that grassroots supporters had contributed $46.7 million following Harris’ campaign debut.
President Joe Biden announced his decision to step out of the presidential race just before 2 p.m., extending his “full support and endorsement” to Harris, who inherits a bank balance reported at $96 million as of June 30 from what had been until yesterday the Biden-Harris campaign.
This signifies the highest single-day fundraising sum in the 2024 election cycle, highlighting the intense reaction from Democratic supporters.
The figure includes all donations made through ActBlue, not solely those directed to Harris’ campaign, but the Vice President has a commanding position in the wake of Biden’s withdrawal from the contest.
Harris campaign spokesperson Brian Fallon said that by Monday morning, “Harris for President has raised $49.6m in grassroots donations since President Biden’s endorsement of VP Harris yesterday.”
The change came amid growing pressure from Democrats for Biden to withdraw following a disastrous debate performance against disgraced former President Donald Trump.
A person familiar with Harris’ schedule told reporters she “had multiple phone conversations with the president prior to his announcement that he would not be seeking reelection and would instead endorse her.”
In the initial five hours following Harris’ campaign launch, ActBlue reported over $27.5 million in contributions from small donors.
Surrounded by family and staff at the Vice President’s residence, Harris spent more than 10 hours Sunday placing calls to over 100 party leaders, members of Congress, governors, labor leaders, and leaders of advocacy and civil rights organizations.
On each of those calls, the Vice President made clear that she was extremely grateful for Biden’s endorsement but expressed her plans to work hard to earn the Democratic nomination in her own right.
Democrats like Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro — who have all been floated as top VP contenders — as well as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, moved quickly to throw their support behind Harris.
July 21 was the greatest day for online Democratic donations since the 2020 election, surpassing previous records.
The previous high was set the day after the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in September 2020, when ActBlue raised approximately $73.5 million.
Key Democratic megadonors have also rallied behind Harris since Biden’s announcement.
Reports suggest that Trump’s recent gains in fundraising had eroded Biden’s lead, and some $90 million from the president’s re-election campaign had been frozen amid calls for Biden’s exit.
The decision for Biden to withdraw came after mounting pressure from within the party, following a series of poor performances and growing calls for a change in the Democratic leadership. As Democrats consolidate around Harris, she has pledged to “earn and win” the Democratic presidential nomination as the party gears up for the upcoming election.
“There was a Zoom tonight for Black women organizing for Kamala Harris,” said Tristan Snell, a lawyer and legal commentator who led the prosecution of Trump University. “The call had a max of 1000 people. They hit it immediately, and got a hold of the Zoom CEO to help. 40,000 people joined. For over 4 hours. Trump is soooo screwed.”
Many party officials have expressed their support for Harris to succeed Biden as the party’s nominee against Trump in the presidential race. However, some want the Democratic Party to allow additional presidential nominations at the upcoming Democratic National Convention, which is scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago.
With the political landscape shifting and the Democratic base seeking fresh leadership, several prominent figures have emerged as potential candidates despite Harris being seen as a natural successor to Biden, because she faces the challenge of consolidating support within the party.
Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan, has gained widespread recognition for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her strong advocacy for infrastructure development and reproductive rights. Whitmer’s pragmatic approach and ability to appeal to a broad range of voters make her a formidable contender.
Gavin Newsom, California’s Governor, is known for his progressive policies and has a strong record on climate change and healthcare. Newsom’s leadership in one of the most populous and influential states in the country positions him as a key player in the Democratic primary race.
Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of Transportation and former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, made a significant impact during the 2020 Democratic primaries. His intellectual approach and experience in the Biden administration add to his appeal, particularly among younger voters.
Josh Shapiro, the Governor of Pennsylvania, has built a solid reputation through his work on criminal justice reform and consumer protection. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes and deliver results makes him a rising star within the Democratic Party.
Andy Beshear, the Governor of Kentucky, has garnered attention for his moderate stance and success in a traditionally red state. Beshear’s crisis management skills, particularly during natural disasters and the pandemic, have showcased his leadership abilities and bipartisan appeal.