Hollywood is coming out in droves to support likely Democratic nominee Kamala Harris’ run for president. This week, several actors and stars have publicly come out and supported Harris in her bid for the White House.
While some regard Hollywood as elitist, entitled, and out-of-touch considering the money and liberal views prevalent in its circles, the entertainment capital of the world has long been a major Democratic supporter, and the move could prove to be crucial with Hollywood’s deep pockets.
Now that Harris is the all but certain nominee for president, she, in some ways, represents one of their own considering her connections.
No shrewd politician would advertise their ties to Hollywood, which is probably why the public hasn’t heard much of Kamala Harris’ close network of movie directors, producers, and actors who are proudly backing her November run for president.
As of Wednesday, July 24, Harris' campaign says it raised more than $125 million with $81 million of that coming in the 24-hour period since President Joe Biden first announced he was no longer seeking re-election.
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The amount represents the largest 24-hour sum either party has reported in this year’s election, and Harris’ campaign claims it’s the largest single-day fundraising total in U.S. history.
Much of that money can be traced back to Harris’ Hollywood ties.
For starters, Harris is married to Doug Emhoff, a law professor who used be an entertainment attorney representing clients like Hollywood Video and various ad agencies.
The couple has a home in the Brentwood neighborhood in LA and first met due to a mutual connection, Chrisette Hudlin, one of Harris’ closest friends who is married to director and producer Reginald Hudlin.
In September of 2020, both helped organize a Harris and Biden fundraiser that reportedly raked in more than $8 million. A year prior, before Harris became President Biden’s running mate, Hollywood director JJ Abrams hosted a fundraiser for Harris’ presidential run that drew in A-list celebrities who paid $2,800 each to attend, according to Variety.
Now that Harris is once again on the presidential campaign trail, big stars are coming to her aid. On Tuesday, pop star Olivia Rodgrigo posted a picture to her Instagram, supporting Harris and her fight for reproductive rights.
The same can be said for Barbara Streisand, who came out Monday supporting Harris’ stance on abortion.
And major Democratic donor George Clooney, who recently called for Biden to step down in a New York Times essay, has pledged to “do whatever he can to support Harris.” It was only last month the Hollywood staple threw a $30 million fundraiser for President Biden’s re-election efforts.
The support and money could prove to be pivotal as some of San Francisco’s tech industry has come out in support opponent Donald Trump. Last month, Trump raised $12 million in a tech fundraiserthat cost attending couples $500,000 each, according to Reuters. Wealthy venture capitalists and tech hot shots like Elon Musk have also pledged their support for Trump this November.
