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Kamala Harris Raises $12 Million in San Francisco, Highlights California Roots
Vice President Kamala Harris made a spirited return to California on Sunday after being named the Democratic presidential nominee, relishing the support of friends and allies she has known for years. Amidst a crowd of around 700 supporters gathered in a San Francisco hotel ballroom, Harris conveyed a strong message about the stakes of the upcoming election, urging Democrats to secure a victory against former President Trump in November.
“It’s good to be home,” she said, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. Harris expressed gratitude to her long-time supporters, emphasizing the shared journey they have taken throughout her career. “We’ve been through a lot together. I want to thank everyone in here for your love and longstanding support and friendship and for your dedication to this country,” she declared.
The atmosphere at the fundraiser was both warm and hopeful, highlighted by a woman in the front row who held up a sign reading, “Make America Joyful Again.” However, Harris quickly shifted to urgent themes, alerting her supporters that fundamental rights, including healthcare, same-sex marriage, and abortion, are at risk if Democrats do not prevail in the upcoming election.
“We know what we need to do — we need to knock on doors, we need to register folks to vote, we need to get people to the polls. And every day matters,” she urged, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing the voter base. “That’s why we’re going to win, but let’s not take anything for granted.”
The event saw attendance from high-profile figures such as House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and several elected officials and donors. The fundraiser raised over $12 million, with ticket prices ranging from $3,300 to $500,000, underscoring the financial backing Harris has from her home state, which also laid the groundwork for her political rise.
Harris has deep roots in California, having served as a prosecutor and City Hall attorney in San Francisco before becoming the district attorney in 2002. This initial role propelled her towards becoming state attorney general and later a U.S. senator.
The gathering had an intimate feel, akin to a family reunion. Harris’ niece’s young children took photographs in front of a prominent campaign sign, and as the vice president spoke, she called out attendees, focusing particularly on Newsom. Harris fondly recalled the pivotal moment in 2004 when they both took their oaths of office in San Francisco — she as district attorney and he as mayor — as well as their joint efforts in marrying gay couples during that same year.
“I have known Gavin as a friend and colleague for so, so many years,” she said while expressing her gratitude for his leadership. “I want to thank you in front of all of our friends who are here for being an extraordinary leader of California and the nation.”
The event followed a dynamic three weeks in the presidential race, marked by President Biden’s announcement not to seek reelection, which led to a swift rallying around Harris as the Democratic nominee. Additionally, Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
In his first interview after stepping down from the race, Biden discussed the significance of defeating Trump, mentioning concerns among legislators that his candidacy could jeopardize their chances. “The critical issue for me still is maintaining this democracy,” he asserted, highlighting the priority of unseating Trump.
Last week, Harris and Walz campaigned in key battleground states, drawing significant crowds. Harris noted, “Folks are coming to these events and they’re bringing with them so much joy. People are singing and they’re dancing in the aisles long before we get there.” She indicated that the enthusiasm transcends merely defeating Trump, reflecting a belief in the values of the country.
In a show of support, the Democrats received an endorsement from the powerful Culinary Workers Union in Las Vegas. Harris also expressed her backing for a policy of not taxing tips, which resonates deeply with service industry workers and aligns with a proposal that Trump supported earlier.
Reflecting on her candidacy, Harris noted that the fundraiser also marked four years since Biden selected her as his running mate. Biden affirmed the choice in a fundraising appeal, stating, “Kamala’s sharp. She’s tough. She’s going to make one hell of a president.”
California Republicans used the location of the fundraiser to criticize Democratic leadership, particularly in San Francisco. They pointed to issues like crime and homelessness as indicators of dysfunction under Democratic governance.
Despite California’s deep blue political landscape making it less competitive, the state remains a hotbed for campaign financing for both parties. The GOP’s vice presidential nominee, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, has also been active in fundraising efforts there, illustrating California’s significant role in the campaign finance landscape.
Attendee Susie Tompkins Buell, a long-time friend of Harris, noted that the excitement among Democrats is palpable, attributing it to both Harris’ candidacy and the perceived threat posed by Trump’s potential return. She described Harris’ energetic presence as a refreshing change, likening it to a “cool breeze on a sweltering, humid day.”
Reflecting on Harris’ consistency and confidence over the years, Tompkins Buell remarked, “She has been an important part of our community for years, and I am truly impressed by her evolution in leadership.”
Source: Los Angeles Times
