Last week, Straight Arrow News reported that the Harris campaign raised over $1 billion but ended with a $20 million deficit. Now, the campaign’s late-stage spending, which included millions on celebrity endorsements and media appearances, is being disclosed.
According to a Washington Examiner analysis, the Harris campaign paid $1 million to Oprah Winfrey’s production company on Oct. 15. This payment followed a star-studded town hall Winfrey hosted for Vice President Kamala Harris in September. Winfrey also appeared at Harris’ final rally in Philadelphia on the eve of Election Day, offering her endorsement for the vice president.
The report also reveals that the Harris campaign spent six figures to build a custom set for Harris’ appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast. The interview, filmed in a hotel room in the District of Columbia, aired in October as part of an effort to connect with younger, female voters.
In addition to these media appearances, the campaign spent heavily on bringing high-profile performers to battleground states in the days leading up to the election.
On the eve of Election Day, the campaign paid for Jon Bon Jovi to perform in Detroit, Christina Aguilera in Las Vegas, Katy Perry in Pittsburgh and Lady Gaga in Philadelphia. Three days before the election, rapper 2 Chainz performed at a rally in Atlanta.
The campaign’s high-stakes use of star power to sway voters cost more than $20 million, according to a New York Post analysis. The campaign also spent around $700 million on advertising, including a major ad blitz in the final days, with ads displayed on the Las Vegas Sphere.
Staffers expressed frustration with how the money was spent, according to reports. In interviews with several news outlets, some said the focus on celebrity endorsements and media appearances was driven by the campaign chair, and they disagreed with this approach.
Under increasing pressure, campaign leadership reportedly urged staffers not to speak with reporters during an all-staff call. The Harris campaign has not commented on its finances, but the Federal Election Commission requires candidates to file post-election financial reports within 30 days after a general election.
