
Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to raise $1.4 million at a high-profile fundraiser in Massachusetts on Saturday. This event, featuring performances by James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax, underscores the significant financial backing Harris has received since President Joe Biden’s recent withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.
The fundraiser, initially projected to raise $400,000, far exceeded expectations thanks to a surge in donations. Hosted by former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and attended by several prominent Massachusetts Democrats, the event is set to draw approximately 800 attendees to the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. Among the notable speakers are Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Representative Richard Neal.
This event comes on the heels of Harris’s recent fundraising success on Cape Cod, where she raised $2 million—double the organizers’ initial goal. Following Biden’s exit from the race, Harris’s campaign has seen a significant influx of financial support, with $81 million raised in just the first 24 hours after Biden’s endorsement of her candidacy. Future Forward, a super PAC supported by Biden, also reported receiving $150 million in new commitments within 24 hours of his announcement.
The financial momentum behind Harris’s campaign is crucial as she transitions from Biden’s running mate to the Democratic Party’s likely nominee. Her campaign is actively vetting potential vice-presidential candidates while preparing for a rigorous election cycle. The event in the Berkshires marks Harris’s return to Massachusetts under different circumstances, now leading the Democratic ticket and securing widespread support from major state Democrats, including Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
In addition to the impressive fundraising totals, Harris’s campaign is also benefiting from significant ad spending by Future Forward. The super PAC has allocated nearly $33 million for broadcast and cable advertisements in key swing states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada, set to run through mid-August.
As Harris continues to consolidate her position as the Democratic frontrunner, the substantial financial backing and high-profile endorsements will be vital in navigating the upcoming election cycle and countering the Republican challenge.
COMMENTS