Newsom Travels to New York for Harris Fundraiser, Then to PA for Trump Debate

Governor Gavin Newsom is traveling to the East Coast to lead a major fundraising event for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in New York. This event comes ahead of the vice president’s first debate against former President Trump in Philadelphia, which Newsom is also expected to attend.

From Sunday to Wednesday, Newsom will engage in various activities aimed at bolstering support for both Harris and vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota. His itinerary includes media appearances, fundraising events in New York, and campaigning activities in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state.

After a period of relative quiet following Harris’s elevation to the top of the Democratic ticket, Newsom is re-entering the campaign scene for the party’s nominee. Previously, he was an active supporter of President Biden, campaigning extensively for him and defending his candidacy after a difficult debate performance that ultimately led to Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

Despite his history of support, Newsom’s specific role in Harris’s campaign has not been entirely clear. Officials from Harris’s campaign confirmed that he will serve as a leader of her national campaign committee, a position he previously held with Biden’s campaign.

Newsom and Harris share a long-standing relationship, having both entered the political arena in San Francisco. They were sworn into office on the same day in 2004: Newsom as the mayor and Harris as the district attorney. Reflecting on their bond, Harris expressed her gratitude at a recent fundraiser, acknowledging Newsom as an extraordinary leader in California and the nation.

However, their relationship has also been characterized by a competitive edge, as both have been seen as potential stars within the Democratic Party. This dynamic was evident at the Democratic National Convention last month, where Newsom attended without a significant role. He had a brief moment on camera when he announced California’s delegate votes for Harris, having declined an opportunity to speak on the convention’s opening night due to family commitments.

During the convention, Newsom remarked on his awareness of the national perception of San Francisco and California, expressing a desire to be helpful without overstepping bounds. He stated, “I’m happy. I don’t need anything or want anything. I just want to be helpful and not hurtful.”

One of the significant contributions Newsom is making is through fundraising. A recent invitation for the upcoming event in New York City highlights a substantial contribution requirement, with donors asked to give as much as $100,000 to attend an event featuring high-profile attendees, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Notable hosts for this gathering include producer Shonda Rhimes and actors like Robert De Niro, among others.

This fundraiser arrives in a context where financial evaluations show Harris with a considerable lead over Trump. The Harris campaign recently disclosed that she and Walz, along with their supporting committees, raised an impressive $361 million in August, marking the highest total of the current election cycle, and reported having $404 million in cash on hand.

In contrast, Trump, along with his running mate JD Vance and their supporting committees, raised $130 million in the same period and currently has $295 million available. Trump is also scheduled to return to California this week for two upscale fundraising events, one of which is notably hosted by relatives of Newsom’s wife.

After the New York event, Newsom is set to head to Pennsylvania, where Harris is slated to debate Trump at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Newsom’s team directed any inquiries about his attendance at the debate to the Harris campaign, which did not provide a response. However, sources indicate that he is widely expected to be present as a surrogate promoting Harris in her significant matchup against Trump.

Source: Los Angeles Times