Democratic donors begin mobilizing to raise money for Harris if she’s the nominee

Allies of Vice President Kamala Harris have begun courting Democratic donors to provide financial support for her if President Joe Biden drops out of the 2024 race.

One Democratic donor adviser has begun collecting pledges from female Democratic donors to support Harris, while a women’s political organization has begun speaking to its donor base in an effort to ensure an initial wave of contributions to a potential Harris campaign, according to people familiar with the efforts.

These people shared information about the financial maneuverings under strict conditions of anonymity, because of Harris’ extraordinarily delicate political position as Biden’s running mate and the tensions within the Democratic Party about 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 granted anonymity to speak about sensitive Democratic Party planning.

The organization has begun preparing emails and messaging. Those who focus on supporting female candidates have already begun planning to help Harris with a quick show of force, with lists of donors ready, the person added. Some donors have already proactively indicated they want to give money, the person 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 specified that it was too early for full commitments.

The donor adviser, however, said five donors had already committed to potentially contribute six-figure donations to a Democratic ticket with Harris as the principal. But that effort is still nascent, and the status of the campaign funding would be unclear if multiple women are ultimately in the running for the nomination, the person emphasized.

The effort comes amid chaos among Democratic Party officials, continuous calls for Biden to step aside and dismal polling results, foreboding an increasingly grim future for the president’s chances of a second term. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi have all privately urged Biden to reassess his bid for reelection , as fears mount that Biden could cost Democrats down-ballot races in November.

In the aftermath of a presidential debate that prompted widespread questions about the president’s mental acuity, Biden’s fundraising spigot has faltered. Some have suggested that they will not give money to a Democratic ticket with Biden as the principal.

But the momentum to bolster Harris’ standing, propelled by female donors, also suggests that her position as a replacement for Biden is mutable. In the event of an open convention, other men like California Gov. Gavin Newsom or Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker could become contenders. Newsom, with significant resources from California, is a powerful fundraiser and emissary for the party, and Pritzker is a multi-billionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune.