Hollywood is rallying behind likely Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign. This week, numerous actors and celebrities have publicly expressed their support for Harris’s bid for the White House.
While some view Hollywood as elitist, entitled, and out-of-touch due to its wealth and liberal beliefs, the entertainment industry has historically been a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party. Their endorsement could be significant given Hollywood’s deep pockets.
As the almost certain nominee, Harris represents a familiar figure to Hollywood with her connections.
Politically savvy individuals do not usually highlight their ties to Hollywood, which is why Kamala Harris’s close network of movie directors, producers, and actors backing her November campaign has received little attention.
By July 24th, Harris’s campaign had raised over $125 million, with $81 million of that coming within a 24-hour period following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election.
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This sum is the largest reported by either party in this year’s election and the largest single-day fundraising total in U.S. history, a considerable portion of which can be attributed to Harris’s Hollywood connections.
For instance, Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, previously worked as an entertainment attorney representing Hollywood Video and ad agencies. The couple resides in LA’s Brentwood neighborhood and met through a mutual connection, Chrisette Hudlin, a close friend of Harris married to director and producer Reginald Hudlin.
In September 2020, they organized a fundraiser for Harris and Biden that raised over $8 million. Hollywood director JJ Abrams had also hosted a fundraiser for Harris’s presidential campaign the year before, attracting A-list celebrities who paid $2,800 each to attend.
Big stars are coming to Harris’s aid on her current presidential campaign trail. Popstar Olivia Rodrigo recently showed support on Instagram for Harris and her advocacy for reproductive rights.
Similarly, Barbara Streisand expressed her support for Harris’s position on abortion, while major Democratic donor George Clooney pledged to support Harris in any way he can, following his $30 million fundraiser for President Biden’s re-election.
This backing and financial support could be crucial since some of San Francisco’s tech industry has backed opponent Donald Trump. Trump raised $12 million in a tech fundraiser last month, with attending couples paying $500,000 each. Wealthy venture capitalists and tech figures like Elon Musk have also pledged their support to Trump this November.
