Harris’ team says it has raised $540 million and experienced a boost in donations during the convention.

The campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris has announced a remarkable milestone in its fundraising efforts, reaching a total of $540 million in its quest to secure the presidency against Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. This significant achievement comes shortly after President Joe Biden decided to end his own re-election campaign and swiftly endorsed Harris on July 21, providing a substantial boost to her campaign’s momentum.

The Harris campaign saw a particularly strong surge in donations during the Democratic National Convention, held last week in Chicago. The event was a pivotal moment, as both Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, formally accepted their nominations. According to campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, the campaign crossed the $500 million mark just before Harris’s acceptance speech on Thursday night. The immediate aftermath of her speech marked the campaign’s most successful fundraising hour since its inception, underscoring the enthusiasm and support Harris has garnered from her base.

In contrast, while Trump remains a formidable fundraiser, his efforts appear to be outpaced by Harris’s campaign, particularly in the early stages. Trump’s campaign, along with its affiliated entities, reported raising $138.7 million in July—a figure that, while impressive, falls short of the amount Harris’s campaign brought in during its first week alone. As of the start of August, Trump’s campaign reported having $327 million in cash on hand, highlighting the significant financial resources that both campaigns will deploy in the coming months.

The Harris campaign’s fundraising success is further emphasized by the demographics of its contributors. Nearly one-third of the donations received during the convention week came from first-time contributors, a testament to Harris’s broadening appeal. Notably, about one-fifth of these first-time donors were young voters, and two-thirds were women—groups that are considered crucial for Harris’s path to victory in the upcoming election.

In addition to the financial contributions, the Harris campaign has seen a surge in volunteer support, with nearly 200,000 volunteer shifts signed up during the convention week alone. This increase in grassroots involvement is a vital component of the campaign’s strategy to mobilize voters and secure the necessary turnout in November.

Overall, Harris’s campaign appears to be capitalizing on the momentum generated by her nomination and the subsequent endorsement by President Biden. With substantial funds raised and a growing base of volunteers and supporters, Harris is positioning herself as a strong contender in the upcoming presidential election, setting the stage for what is likely to be a highly competitive race against Trump.