Kamala Harris has been successful in attracting donations from billionaires and their spouses since the early days of her 2020 presidential campaign. In just the first week of her campaign, she raised $200 million, closing the gap between outgoing President Joe Biden’s campaign and Donald Trump’s war chest. Harris has received support from prominent billionaires such as Melinda French Gates, Sheryl Sandberg, and Reed Hastings. In the 2020 election, more billionaires and their spouses donated to Harris than any other candidate, showcasing her fundraising capabilities.
A Forbes analysis of Federal Election Commission records revealed that by September 2019, 47 billionaires and their spouses had donated to Harris’ presidential campaign, surpassing other candidates like Cory Booker and eventual winner, Joe Biden. With a substantial cash boost from these billionaire donors, Harris’ 2024 campaign could see significant financial support. While some of her 2020 billionaire donors have passed away, many have already maxed out their donations for this election cycle, totaling $162,000. However, there are still opportunities for additional contributions from donors who did not contribute to Biden’s re-election.
Several billionaires and their spouses who donated to Harris’ 2020 campaign did not contribute to Biden’s re-election effort. If these donors choose to support Harris again and contribute the maximum amount allowed, it could add another $125,000 to her campaign funds. Beyond individual campaign contributions, billionaires can also donate to political groups working in support of Harris, such as PACs and the Democratic National Committee. In the last presidential election, hundreds of billionaires donated millions of dollars to support both Biden and Trump.
Notable billionaire donors to Harris’ 2020 campaign who did not contribute to Biden’s re-election include individuals like John Fisher, Robert F. Smith, and George Lucas. While some billionaires indicated they would continue to support Harris, others declined to comment on any planned political contributions. It is essential for Harris to secure financial support from these potential donors to strengthen her campaign in the upcoming election.
Overall, Harris remains in a strong position to attract funding from billionaires and their spouses, leveraging her past success with fundraising efforts. With the support of these wealthy donors, she can boost her campaign finances and compete effectively in the 2024 election. As the race continues to intensify, Harris will rely on the generosity of these billionaire backers to finance her campaign and drive her message to voters across the country.
