There has been an increasing call among some of the Democratic Party’s top donors to slow down Vice President Kamala Harris’ surge towards the nomination. They argue for a more “open” and inclusive process that would allow delegates to evaluate several potential nominees. The concern is that rushing the decision could lead to losing the important election, as highlighted by billionaire and longtime donor Mike Bloomberg. Despite this call for more options, as of late Monday, there were no serious contenders challenging Harris.
Some Democratic donors, like Netflix executive chairman Reed Hastings, believe that delegates should pick a swing state winner and are in favor of having a challenger to Harris. However, the idea of having a contender to provide Democrats with options has not gained traction among rising Democratic elected officials who are expected to challenge. Instead, Democratic governors, senators, and House members have been endorsing Harris, indicating a lack of interest in waiting for potential alternatives to emerge. This refusal to entertain calls from donors to slow down the nomination process is contrary to how donors successfully lobbied lawmakers to persuade Biden to drop out of the race.
Despite some big donors advocating for a pause in the process, the Democratic party has been moving full speed ahead with Harris as the new frontrunner. There is a lack of Democrats expressing their intent to launch a counter campaign to Harris. In fact, in the aftermath of Biden dropping out and supporting Harris, most of the potential challengers endorsed the vice president. Prominent figures like California Gov. Gavin Newsom, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have backed Harris, positioning themselves as potential running mates for her. Harris has also received endorsements from top Capitol Hill Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, signaling a consolidation of support around her.
With just over a week until Aug. 1, when the Democratic National Committee could begin its virtual roll call process to designate the party nominee, Harris continues to amass endorsements and donations. The momentum behind her campaign is evident in how swiftly potential challengers have rallied behind her, solidifying her position as the leading candidate for the Democratic nomination.
The Democratic Party’s surge towards the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris reflects a lack of serious challengers and a consolidated support base among prominent party members. Despite calls from donors for a more open process with multiple options, Harris has garnered widespread endorsements and donations, positioning her as the frontrunner for the party’s nomination. As the virtual roll call process approaches, it remains to be seen whether any significant contenders will emerge to challenge Harris’s dominance in the race.