Vice President Kamala Harris raises $12 million at a San Francisco campaign fundraiser, signaling strong support for her presidential bid.
Vice President Kamala Harris returned to the Bay Area this weekend, marking her first visit since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. The visit culminated in a highly successful fundraiser in San Francisco, where Harris raised $12 million for her campaign. The event, held at the historic Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill, attracted hundreds of supporters and some of California’s most influential political figures.
The fundraiser was a significant moment for Harris, who has deep roots in the Bay Area. Born in Oakland and having served as San Francisco’s district attorney, Harris has long been connected to the region. The event served as both a homecoming and a critical step in her presidential campaign, as she seeks to galvanize support in her home state.
“I’m excited, you can feel the energy,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta.
State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who has been a long-time supporter of Harris, wore a t-shirt that read, “Someday a woman will be president.” Ma remarked, “I’ve had this t-shirt for a long time. Very excited to see my friend Kamala Harris today.”
“So we are here to hopefully see the next president of the United States,” said Quita Highsmith, a San Francisco resident who attended the fundraiser with her family. Highsmith’s daughter, Quinlyn, expressed her excitement as a young voter, stating, “Seeing Kamala take the steps to get to this position, coming from the same undergraduate school I went to, is inspiring. These barriers are going to be kicked down.”
The event was attended by approximately 700 people, including California’s top Democrats, such as Governor Gavin Newsom, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The energy in the room was palpable, with many attendees expressing their enthusiasm for Harris’s campaign.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed echoed the sentiment of the day, emphasizing Harris’s deep connection to the Bay Area. “This is really a homecoming. I met her at the tarmac last night, she was so happy to see us and be home and so happy to feel the support and love from San Francisco,” Breed said.
The event was a significant display of support for Harris, who has quickly risen to the top of the Democratic ticket. Silicon Valley entrepreneur Steve Westley remarked, “What Vice President Harris has done in two weeks is extraordinary, I haven’t seen anything like it in American politics.”
While the atmosphere inside the fundraiser was celebratory, there were also reminders of the challenges Harris faces. Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Fairmont Hotel, calling for an end to U.S. aid to Israel. Rami Abdelkarim from the Palestinian Youth Movement commented on the protest, saying, “All she has to do is look outside and see all the interruptions at her rallies. She knows the messages; it’s her choice whether she supports an arms embargo or not.”
Despite the protests, the event was a resounding success for Harris, who departed the hotel in the afternoon, heading to San Francisco International Airport for her next campaign stop. The $12 million raised at the fundraiser underscores the strong financial backing Harris has secured as she moves forward in her presidential campaign.
Harris’s supporters are optimistic about her ability to deliver results, particularly on key issues like the economy. James Buttler, a political donor who attended the event, expressed his expectations, saying, “She needs to address the economy. Gas is too high, groceries are too high, I need a break. I don’t just want hamburger, I want a steak every now and then, you know.”
As Harris continues her campaign, the support she received in San Francisco will likely play a crucial role in her efforts to secure the presidency. The event not only highlighted her deep ties to the Bay Area but also demonstrated the strong base of support she has built across the state of California. With the momentum from this successful fundraiser, Harris is well-positioned to continue her push towards the White House.
