Former Vice President Kamala Harris’ fundraising events for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) have been disappointing, according to Axios, as the DNC continues to pay off the former presidential nominee’s campaign expenses. Harris allowed the DNC to use her email list to help raise funds and has held a few small events, but the total amount raised from these efforts has been below expectations. This follows concerns over the $1.5 billion spent during her 107-day election campaign, with some Democrats expressing frustration over the financial burden on the party.
After Harris lost to President Donald Trump in 2024, top Democrats raised concerns about the potential campaign debt. Harris’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The DNC has spent more than $15 million paying off Harris’ 2024 election campaign debt in the first few months of 2025, Axios reported. Some Democratic donors are also hesitant to give to the DNC as they look ahead to the midterms. Over the past six months, the DNC has given $548,050 to a charter flight company, $2.1 million to a media production company and $237,201 to a law firm on behalf of Harris’ campaign, according to Axios.
Harris’ allies are reportedly placing blame on DNC chair Ken Martin, arguing he is not fully focused on fundraising. The former Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon emphasized her continued commitment to strengthening the party and returning Democrats to power. However, the disappointment over the fundraising results has underscored the ongoing financial challenges facing the Democratic Party as it navigates the transition from a presidential campaign to midterm elections.
The situation highlights the broader strategic and financial pressures facing the DNC, particularly as it seeks to rebuild its fundraising capacity and reorient its priorities toward the midterms. The lack of significant fundraising success from Harris’ events has raised questions about the effectiveness of the party’s approach and the coordination between high-profile figures like Harris and the DNC leadership.
With the DNC facing mounting financial obligations and potential donor wariness, the party’s ability to mobilize resources and regain political momentum will be crucial in the coming months. The situation also reflects the complex interplay between personal political legacies and the collective goals of national parties, especially in the wake of a high-profile election loss.