DNC Bought Kamala Harris Donor List for $6.5M After 2024 Election

The cash infusion helped the Harris-aligned super PAC pay off campaign expenses, including a $99,100 performance by The Roots.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 3:15pm

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The Democratic National Committee purchased a donor list from a political action committee backing former Vice President Kamala Harris for $6.5 million late last year, even as the national party's main fundraising arm remained more than $16 million in debt. The Harris-aligned super PAC then used the cash infusion to pay off campaign expenses more than a year after the Democrat's loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

Why it matters

The DNC's purchase of the Harris donor list has raised questions among some party members about the prudence of the move, given the party's significant debt. The Republican National Committee outperformed the DNC in fundraising for 2025, further highlighting the financial challenges facing the Democratic Party.

The details

The Fight for the People PAC received $3.5 million from the DNC on Nov. 28 and another $3 million on Dec. 29, 2025. The super PAC then used the cash to pay off campaign expenses, including more than $3.9 million in media production, $293,883 in polling fees, and $99,100 to the hip-hop band The Roots' managing company for a performance in Philadelphia.

  • The DNC purchased the Harris donor list in the final months of 2025.
  • The first payment of $3.5 million to the Fight for the People PAC was made on Nov. 28, 2025.
  • The second payment of $3 million to the Fight for the People PAC was made on Dec. 29, 2025.

The players

Democratic National Committee (DNC)

The main fundraising arm of the Democratic Party, which purchased the Kamala Harris donor list for $6.5 million.

Fight for the People PAC

A political action committee that was aligned with former Vice President Kamala Harris and received the $6.5 million payment from the DNC.

Kamala Harris

The former Vice President of the United States, whose donor list was purchased by the DNC.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

Republican National Committee (RNC)

The main fundraising arm of the Republican Party, which outperformed the DNC in total fundraising for 2025.

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What they’re saying

“For me, this really brings questions about the campaign's finances, how transparent everything has been regarding the 2024 campaign, what has been spent and what are the lessons we need to learn coming from that experience.”

— Tim Lim, DNC member

“It is standard after a presidential campaign for there to be an extended reconciliation period as outstanding invoices are received, processed and refunds are issued.”

— Kirsten Allen, Former Harris senior adviser

“While Republicans hoard their cash from billionaire megadonors, they're losing. We'll keep investing and we'll keep winning, and that includes this year's midterms.”

— Rosemary Boeglin, DNC spokesperson

What’s next

The DNC's purchase of the Harris donor list and its financial challenges heading into the 2026 midterm elections will likely continue to be a topic of discussion and scrutiny within the party.

The takeaway

The DNC's purchase of the Kamala Harris donor list for $6.5 million, despite the party's significant debt, highlights the financial challenges facing the Democratic Party and raises questions about the transparency and management of the 2024 presidential campaign.