Democratic donors start mobilizing to fundraise for Harris if she’s the nominee

Recognizing the unpredictable nature of the situation, some organizers mentioned that supporters were already “lining up” to donate if Kamala Harris heads the Democratic ticket.

Democratic donors start mobilizing to fundraise for Harris if she’s the nominee
Allies of Vice President Kamala Harris have started engaging Democratic donors to secure financial backing for her in case President Joe Biden decides not to run in the 2024 election.

A Democratic donor adviser has begun gathering pledges from female Democratic donors to support Harris, while a women’s political organization has initiated conversations with its donor base to ensure an initial wave of contributions for a potential Harris campaign, according to sources familiar with the initiatives.

These sources shared information about the financial strategies under strict conditions of anonymity, given Harris’ particularly sensitive position as Biden’s running mate and the internal Democratic Party tensions concerning Biden’s future.

“What’s important is that there’s a massive show of support for her right away, which shows a signal that we’re all in for her,” said a leader of the women’s political organization who was granted anonymity to discuss sensitive Democratic Party planning.

The organization has started preparing emails and crafting messaging. Those focused on supporting female candidates are already planning to assist Harris with a swift demonstration of support, with donor lists at the ready, the source added. Some donors have already proactively expressed their willingness to contribute funds, the source said.

Donors are “lining up to support” Harris “as soon as she’s a potential nominee,” the political leader added. “We certainly know that we are hearing from all of our donors that they want to support her.”

The political leader clarified that it was still too early for full commitments.

However, the donor adviser mentioned that five donors had already agreed to potentially contribute six-figure sums to a Democratic ticket with Harris leading. This effort is still in its early stages, and the status of campaign funding would be uncertain if multiple women ultimately vie for the nomination, the source emphasized.

This initiative emerges amid turmoil among Democratic Party officials, ongoing calls for Biden to step aside, and dismal polling results, painting a bleak picture for the president’s chances of securing a second term. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi have all privately advised Biden to reconsider his bid for reelection, due to concerns that Biden’s candidacy could jeopardize down-ballot races in November.

Following a presidential debate that sparked widespread questions about the president’s mental acuity, Biden’s fundraising efforts have dwindled. Some donors have indicated they will not contribute to a Democratic ticket with Biden at the helm.

The movement to strengthen Harris’ position, driven by female donors, also implies that her role as a potential replacement for Biden remains fluid. In the case of an open convention, other contenders like California Gov. Gavin Newsom or Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker could enter the fray. Newsom, with substantial resources from California, is a prolific fundraiser and influential party representative, while Pritzker is a multibillionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune.

Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News