Vice President Harris raised nearly $50 million in grassroots donations on Sunday, hours after President Biden withdrew his nomination and endorsed her as his successor.
“Since the President endorsed Vice President Harris yesterday afternoon, ordinary Americans have given $49.6 million in grassroots contributions to her campaign,” Harris campaign spokeswoman Lauren Hitt said in a statement.
The impressive turnout was a sign of grassroots enthusiasm among Democrats in the wake of Biden’s decision not to seek reelection and reflects Harris’ strength as the most likely candidate to succeed the president.
Biden announced on Sunday afternoon that he would not run for a second term amid growing pressure from Democratic lawmakers to step down, citing concerns he might not be able to beat former President Trump in November’s presidential election. Shortly after, he endorsed Harris as his candidate.
Harris has said she intends to “seek and win” the party’s nomination, and it is unclear whether she will face any formidable opponents in the month leading up to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.
Ms. Harris was on a whirlwind of calls on Sunday, calling more than 100 party leaders, lawmakers, governors, union leaders and civil rights groups, according to a person familiar with the matter. In the calls, she thanked Mr. Biden for his support but made it clear she would work to win the Democratic nomination on her own.
