The race for the White House is heating up, and the financial war chest is a key indicator of campaign momentum. In a major fundraising victory, Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign and the Democratic Party have significantly outpaced Donald Trump’s campaign and the Republican Party in August.
According to reports released in early September, Harris’ campaign brought in a massive $361 million during the month, leaving her with a substantial $404 million in cash on hand as September begins. Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign and the Republican Party announced raising $130 million in August, leaving them with $295 million in cash on hand.
Both campaigns are expected to spend over $1 billion throughout this election cycle, shattering previous records, according to regulatory filings. This massive spending will likely be focused on advertisements and get-out-the-vote efforts in key battleground states.
The fundraising totals are closely monitored by US election regulators and are considered a key indicator of campaign momentum ahead of the November election. It’s important to note that these figures do not include funds raised by outside groups supporting each candidate.
Harris’ campaign saw a surge in new donors, with three-quarters of the 1.3 million new contributors in August being first-time donors. Over 60% of August donors were women, and nearly 20% were registered Republicans or independents.
Recent polling data has shown Harris leading in key swing states for the first time, suggesting a potential narrow victory in the upcoming election. This is a significant development considering the close race dynamics. However, Trump still holds a lead among veterans and active service members, though his support has declined compared to 2016.
The next major test for both candidates will be their televised debate on Tuesday, the first since President Joe Biden endorsed Harris as his successor on July 21. The debate is expected to be a high-stakes affair as both candidates seek to solidify their positions and sway undecided voters.
