In a notable increase from the previous month, former President Donald Trump's campaign rolled out a $160 million fundraising total for September.
This uptick emphasizes an escalating effort to meet the financial prowess of his political adversaries as the race intensifies, Fox News reported.
The fundraising efforts for September marked a substantial rise over the $130 million gathered by Trump’s team in August. However, despite this increase, Trump’s campaign still trails the funds amassed by Vice President Kamala Harris in the previous months.
By the close of September, the Trump campaign reported a cash-on-hand total of $283.1 million. This was a slight reduction from the $295 million reported at the end of August.
In stark contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign had reported a formidable $361 million raised in August alone, with $404 million cash on hand at that time. The fundraising figures for September from Harris’s team remain undisclosed.
Earlier in the year, fundraising dynamics showed that initially, President Joe Biden and the Democratic National Committee were ahead of Trump and the Republican National Committee in gathering financial resources. Nevertheless, by the second quarter of 2024, Trump and the RNC had gained an edge, raising $331 million compared to the $264 million by Biden and the DNC. Following President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race on July 21 after a subpar debate performance, the Democratic Party quickly rallied behind Vice President Harris.
The average contribution to Trump’s September campaign stood at $60, with an overwhelming 96% of total contributions coming from donations under $200. Such statistics underscore a broad base of grassroots support.
Speaking to the quantity and enthusiasm of smaller donations, a senior adviser for Trump's campaign, Brian Hughes, pointed out the significant mobilization of grassroots supporters. Brian Hughes emphasized, “In September, nearly 2.5 million donations under $200 were made. These supporters have allowed us to bank the funds we need as we move into the campaign’s final weeks.”
“Our momentum continues to grow from supporters and donors across the country as we enter the homestretch toward victory.”
RNC Chair Michael Whatley highlighted the financial foothold despite the Democrat’s lead in funding. He remained optimistic about the campaign's competitive position heading into the election stretch. Michael Whatley asserted, “The Democrats have a ton of money. The Democrats always have a ton of money. We have the resources that we need to get our message out to all the voters that we’re talking to and feel very comfortable that we’re going to be able to see this campaign through, and we’re going to win on November 5.”
With the general election slated for November 5, both camps are in full swing to consolidate as much support as possible. Therefore, the emphasis is now on converting these fundraising campaigns into impactful voter outreach and engagement strategies.
In addition, the financial reports and preparations by the Trump campaign serve as a testament to a significant catch-up in fundraising efforts. However, the challenge ahead remains robust as Vice President Harris and the Democrats continue to maintain a substantial monetary advantage.
Moreover, with contributions largely stemming from small donors, Trump's campaign underscores a robust base of supporters prepped for the upcoming election frays. Ultimately, the final weeks will be pivotal as both campaigns drive toward November 5, with focus, funds, and victory in sight.
