New York: Kamala Harris has surged ahead in campaign spending as she enters the final full month of the U.S. presidential election, outpacing Donald Trump with massive financial outlays. According to financial disclosures filed on Sunday, both candidates poured millions into television ads in anticipation of the upcoming Nov. 5 election, but Harris’ campaign spent a staggering $270 million in September, dwarfing Trump’s $78 million.
As the race enters its final phase, polls suggest a close contest, with both candidates vying for key battleground states that will likely determine the election’s outcome.
Harris, who launched her presidential campaign in July after President Joe Biden withdrew from his re-election bid, has built a substantial financial lead. Her September spending, mainly directed towards advertising, reflects this advantage. However, high spending doesn’t guarantee victory. In the 2016 election, Trump overcame Hillary Clinton despite raising less money.
Harris has consistently outperformed Trump in recent months in fundraising, largely from small donors. In September alone, she raised $222 million, while Trump collected $63 million. Nevertheless, Trump’s wealthy supporters, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, have funneled considerable sums into groups supporting the former president.
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Among these groups, the Make America Great Again Inc. super PAC received a $25 million contribution from billionaire Timothy Mellon in September, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Mellon, heir to the Mellon banking family, had already donated at least $115 million to the super PAC earlier in the year. The group has invested heavily in pro-Trump television ads.
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As the campaigns head into the final stretch, Harris reported having $187 million in cash reserves at the start of October, compared to Trump’s $120 million. Despite the fundraising gap, the competition remains fierce as both sides battle for voter support.
