Vice President Kamala Harris returned to the San Francisco Bay Area on Sunday for a high-profile fundraiser attended by prominent California Democrats. The event, held at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, attracted nearly 700 attendees and raised over $12 million as Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, concluded a tour of key swing states.
The fundraiser was graced by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Ticket prices for the event ranged from $3,300 to $500,000. Pelosi praised Harris, noting her pride and joy in welcoming the vice president back to California. She lauded Harris as a figure of “great strength” and “political astuteness.”
Harris and Walz have recently completed a tour of several swing states, energizing their base and gaining momentum. This tour followed a period of intense political activity, including Harris’s role in a prominent position atop the Democratic ticket.
Pelosi, a significant figure in Washington politics, has been influential in shaping the current political landscape. She played a role in Joe Biden’s decision to step aside from the presidential race after a lackluster debate performance raised concerns about his viability and ability to complete a second term. Pelosi’s comments on television suggesting Biden’s indecision about stepping down provided an opening for Democratic lawmakers to push for his departure, despite Biden’s insistence on staying in the race.
While Pelosi has acknowledged Biden’s accomplishments, she has been critical of his previous campaign. At the fundraiser, she connected Harris to the achievements of Biden’s administration, emphasizing her deep understanding of the issues and effective work alongside Biden.
Harris expressed gratitude for the support but urged caution, stressing that the campaign must remain focused and not take success for granted. She highlighted Pelosi’s significant role in shaping the future of the country, praising her for her grit and strategic vision.
Harris’s campaign has seen substantial financial support, raising $36 million in the 24 hours following Walz’s selection as running mate and $310 million in July alone, according to campaign sources.
In her remarks, Harris also took the opportunity to criticize former President Donald Trump, asserting that his return to office would likely lead to a national abortion ban. She pointed out that some state laws lack exceptions for rape and incest, calling such laws “immoral” and emphasizing that American voters have consistently supported freedom on this issue when given the chance.
