Political campaign fundraising involves collecting financial contributions from individuals, organizations and other entities to support the various activities and operations of the campaign. Effective fundraising can significantly impact a campaign's success by enabling broader reach, more robust voter engagement and the ability to counter opponents’ messages.
In August, Harris and her affiliated committees raised $361 million. The Harris campaign claimed August was the best grassroots fundraising month in the history of presidential campaigns, saying they drew record support from first-time contributors. The Trump campaign announced raising $130 million in August – slightly less than the $138 million they raised in July.
As of early October, the Harris campaign had $369 million cash on hand, and the Trump campaign had $274 million.
The campaigns have spent much of their funds on advertising – especially in the seven swing states that will decide the outcome of the election.
Ad Impact, an advertising intelligence company, estimates that more than $2 billion will be spent on presidential general election advertising. The campaigns and SuperPACs supporting them have begun reserved ad time in the critical battleground states as the final push to Election Day begins.
The analysis shows that Republicans are spending a large majority of ad dollars in Pennsylvania and Georgia. It would be challenging for the former President to win the election without winning both of those states.
Democrats’ spending, on the other hand, is more evenly distributed throughout the swing states, with largest proportions in Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Source: Federal Election Commission, August 31, 2024 report; https://www.cnn.com/politics/elections/presidential-candidates-money-raised-dg