Donors back Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris has secured endorsements and support from several Capitol Hill and Wall Street leaders. A day after President Joe Biden announced his exit from the 2024 election and endorsed her, she secured the pledge of over 2,200 delegates to the Democratic National Convention (DNC).

According to an AP poll, the number is enough to lock her nomination. However, the DNC will make it official in Chicago in August.

Support from House and Senate Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, also bolstered her position.

Her camp raised $81 million in a single day, and she also received $50 million from Democratic donors.

Politico reported that Future Forward (a pro-Biden super PAC) received $150 million in new funds for Harris. 

The legality of transferring Biden’s remaining $240 million campaign funds to her is disputed.

If nominated, Harris vows to reprise her role as a prosecutor when competing with former president Donald Trump, who is the Republican presidential nominee and has recently been convicted on multiple charges.

A race between Harris and Trump introduces new dynamics of race and gender, moving beyond the previous contest between two older men.

Political profile
VP Harris has taken strong stances on abortion rights and healthcare justice and played a crucial role in advancing the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated $370 billion for climate initiatives.

However, she has also faced criticism for her handling of migrants and her critical view of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

What’s next for Harris?
She must select a vice-presidential running mate, and potential candidates include Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.