Harris holds her first fundraiser as presumptive Democratic nominee as donors open their wallets

ZEKE MILLER, Associated Press

31 minutes ago

Vice President Kamala Harris campaigns for president as the presumptive Democratic nominee during an event at West Allis Central High School, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in West Allis, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is holding her first fundraiser since becoming the Democratic nominee for the White House, hoping to build on a record week of contributions since President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign.

Harris traveled to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on Saturday expecting to raise more than $1.4 million, her campaign said, from an expected crowd of about 800 people. That would be $1 million more than the original goal set for the event before Biden withdrew from the race.

The plans called for musician James Taylor to introduce Harris at a fundraising event attended by many of the state’s Democratic heavyweights, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, former Governor Deval Patrick and Representative Richie Neal.

Harris received more than $100 million in donations in the first 48 hours after Biden dropped out of the race, a record for the presidency. Aides said she continues to raise money steadily.