In a significant shift in the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign has reported a dramatic surge in donations, raising over $300 million in August alone. This amount is more than double the $130 million raised by former President Donald Trump’s campaign during the same period. Since Kamala Harris announced her candidacy in late July, her team has gathered a staggering $540 million, according to campaign officials who spoke with NBC News.
The fundraising boost for Harris follows a series of favorable events, including the selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate and the highly successful Democratic National Convention held in Chicago. These developments have injected new energy into her campaign and seem to be galvanizing key Democratic voting blocs, especially Black women, who are critical to the party’s electoral success. Meanwhile, Trump’s team has maintained that they are in a strong position, pointing to the fact that nearly 98% of their donations were from small donors, with an average contribution of $56.
Trump Campaign Stays Optimistic Amid Kamala Harris’ Surge
Despite the massive cash haul for the Kamala Harris campaign, senior officials from Donald Trump’s election team remain optimistic. With nearly $300 million in cash on hand, Trump’s advisors believe they are well-positioned for the critical final stretch of the campaign. Brian Hughes, a senior adviser for the Trump campaign, highlighted that the August fundraising numbers reflect strong grassroots support, with 98% of donations coming from small donors. He framed this as evidence of a broad “America First” movement still gaining traction among Republicans, Independents, and even disaffected Democrats.
The Trump campaign, which raised a total of $268.5 million between January 2023 and July 2024, believes this support will help them overcome Harris’ recent surge. Hughes reiterated that Trump’s focus on core issues—such as reversing what he calls the “failures” of the Biden-Harris administration—will resonate with voters as the election nears. The next campaign finance filing deadline for both candidates is set for September 20, at which point more insight into the financial standing of each campaign will be revealed.
Kamala Harris Campaign Eyes Further Gains, Fuels Down-Ballot Support
Kamala Harris’ campaign, buoyed by the influx of cash, has set its sights on further solidifying its financial position in September. A series of fundraising events is planned in key cities like New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with Harris’ team expecting donations to continue pouring in. In a sign of confidence, Harris has pledged nearly $25 million to support down-ballot races across the country, a record-breaking contribution for a presidential campaign.
Democratic strategists believe that Kamala Harris’ presence at the top of the ticket is energizing a previously lukewarm base, particularly in the wake of Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race and subsequent endorsement of Harris. State Democratic parties have also reported a noticeable increase in donations, a testament to Harris’ ability to rally Democratic voters. With crucial months ahead, the Harris campaign appears poised to continue capitalizing on its momentum, which may further tighten the race as November approaches.
Trump’s Financial Edge in 2024
Despite Kamala Harris’ success in attracting donors, Donald Trump still holds a strong financial position in the race. Looking at contributions through the end of July, Trump’s top 10 supporting Super PACs amassed an impressive $305.6 million since the start of 2024, far outpacing Harris’ total. The Super PACs backing Harris, initially supporting Biden, raised $199.2 million in the same period. This financial advantage gives Trump more flexibility in campaigning, particularly in key battleground states.
Focus on Pennsylvania: A Key Battleground
One of Trump’s critical strategies heading into the final months of the campaign is his intense focus on Pennsylvania. Trump is channeling more advertising dollars into this state than any other, signaling its importance in his path to victory. Pennsylvania’s 20 electoral votes could be crucial in preventing Harris from securing the 270 needed to win the presidency. Trump’s campaign advisers have emphasized the importance of the state, noting that a win there could be the turning point that blocks Harris’ electoral strategy.
Trump’s Campaign Strategy for the Final Stretch
With two months remaining until the general election, Trump’s advisers express confidence in his position. They point to the campaign’s financial health, robust support from GOP Super PACs, and strategic focus on battleground states as key strengths heading into the home stretch. Trump’s team is preparing to ramp up its efforts, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania, aiming to maintain their edge over Harris in the tight race for the White House
