Kamala Harris's presidential campaign announced on Sunday that it has raised $200 million (Ksh.25.9 billion) and gained 170,000 new volunteers in the week since she became the Democratic Party's nominee, amid ongoing Republican criticism of her vice-presidential tenure. President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid last Sunday and endorsed Harris for the November 5 election against Republican former President Donald Trump.
Rob Flaherty, Harris' deputy campaign manager, shared the news on social media, noting that 66% of the funds came from new donors. Recent polls, including one by Reuters/Ipsos, show Harris and Trump in a tight race, setting the stage for a closely contested election with 100 days remaining.
Trump's campaign reported raising $331 million in the second quarter, surpassing the $264 million raised by Biden's campaign and its Democratic allies. As of the end of June, Trump's campaign had $284.9 million in cash on hand, compared to the Democratic campaign's $240 million.
Harris has secured the support of most delegates to the Democratic National Convention, making her the likely nominee for the party. Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison confirmed that Harris is the presumptive nominee, with an official vote scheduled for August 1.
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Biden withdrew from the race following concerns about his age and health, particularly after a challenging debate with Trump in late June. He pledged to serve out his term, which ends on January 20, 2025. Harris's entry has revitalized the campaign, which had struggled with doubts about Biden's ability to win against Trump or govern effectively.
Polls had shown Trump gaining an advantage over Biden, including in key battleground states, after Biden's debate performance. However, Harris's candidacy has shifted the dynamics, narrowing the gap. A New York Times/Siena College poll showed a reduction in Trump's lead, while a Wall Street Journal poll indicated a two-point lead for Trump. A Reuters/Ipsos poll on July 23 showed Harris with a two-point lead.
Republican attacks on Harris, the first woman and first Black and South Asian person to serve as U.S. vice president, have intensified. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a former Republican candidate, criticized Harris, predicting that Democrats would try to distance her from the Biden administration's policies.
Some Trump supporters caution against disparaging Harris, warning it could alienate Black voters, a critical demographic in the upcoming election. Harris's campaign did not immediately respond to DeSantis's comments. Campaign co-chair Mitch Landrieu described Harris's first week as the nominee as one of the most successful in recent political history, emphasizing the close nature of the race.
Trump's fundraising surged following his conviction in May on felony charges related to a hush-money payment during the 2016 election. A recent assassination attempt on Trump is also expected to increase campaign contributions.
