WASHINGTON, August 21:
The unprecedented amount of money that U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has raised since becoming the Democratic presidential candidate—approximately $500 million—reflects the enthusiasm of donors heading into the Nov. 5 election. Reuters was informed by four persons It was informed by four persons familiar with the fundraising drive that Harris had garnered that much in the four weeks since her July 21st leap into the race.

Funding for advertising and get-out-the-vote activities is essential for campaigns since it helps get people to the polls and convinces indecisive voters to vote for a certain candidate. After Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden stepped down, releasing a deluge of funds that had dried up in the weeks following Biden's disastrous debate with Republican Donald Trump, Harris jumped into the mix.

Harris swiftly gathered support to become the party's nominee and raised $200 million in the first week of her campaign. The campaign reported that Harris's team had the fastest crossing of the $1 billion fundraising mark in history in July, with $310 million raised. This brought the combined amount of money raised by her and Biden before he dropped out to more than $1 billion.

In July, Trump's campaign reported $138.7 million in donations and $327 million in cash on hand. During the second quarter, the campaign of the former president raised more money than Biden's. Thousands of people attend Harris's rallies in swing states across the nation, and her enthusiasm has carried over into August, as evidenced by donations from small-dollar donors. Harris's cash on hand came in at $377 million in July.

OpenSecrets, an organization that analyzes political donations, reports that Biden's 2020 campaign committee received $1.04 billion in total contributions, or $1.62 billion when outside entities were included. After President Biden praised his record and urged people to support Harris and her campaign companion, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, in November, during the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Harris praised Biden.

On August 20, former president Barack Obama—who is also a major fundraiser—will speak at the convention, while Harris will be on the campaign trail in neighboring Wisconsin. Obama accompanied Biden to two prominent fundraisers and has extended an invitation to assist Harris with further events. In an effort to keep her supporters and voters from getting complacent, Harris has often claimed that she is the underdog in the fight against Trump.

Kamala Harris' Presidential Campaign Raises $500 Million Since Nomination