Harris VP short listers Shapiro, Kelly, Walz, Buttigieg can raise big money

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will rub elbows this week with a group of Vice President Kamala Harris‘ allies at a meet and greet in the ritzy New York beach enclave of the Hamptons hosted by PR executive Mike Kempner, according to an invitation reviewed by CNBC.

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. has raised money from those working for tech giants as Harris and those close to her try to recruit more supporters from that community.

Both of these lawmakers have two things in common: they are among those being considered to be Vice President Harris’ running mate and can help raise a boatload of money for her heading into November.

A Harris fundraiser who is familiar with at least half a dozen of the potential running mates who are being vetted said, “Any of these VPs could make it work. They all have different strengths.” 

This person was one of several who were granted anonymity by CNBC to speak freely about private efforts to raise money for Harris.

In addition to Shapiro and Kelly, Harris’s team is also vetting Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, among others, according to NBC News.

Harris’ political operation has already raised over $200 million since July 21, when President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her, according to her campaign.

Still, in order to keep up that momentum, they may need to select a candidate for vice president who can help bolster her campaign coffers to take on former President Donald Trump.

Despite Harris’ momentum, Trump is still raising a lot of money.

Trump’s running mate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio is headlining a fundraiser in Silicon Valley on Monday that is being hosted by BitGo CEO Mike Belshe, with tickets going for up to $50,000.

Trump was hosted in New Jersey for a fundraiser on Sunday that raised over $10 million, according to people familiar with the matter. Tickets went from $3,300 to $500,000, according to the invitation. There were over 300 people at the event, one of the people explained.

Next month, Cantor Fitzgerlad CEO Howard Lutnick plans to host a Trump fundraiser at his home in the Hamptons which is expected to raise at least $10 million, according to a person familiar with the gathering.

The money for these events is going toward the Trump 47 Committee, a joint fundraising committee that benefits the campaign, the Republican National Committee and dozens of state parties.

CNBC cannot confirm these estimates, which come from people close to the Trump campaign, until Oct. 15, when the committee will file its mandatory quarterly report with the Federal Election Commission.

The Harris campaign figures cannot be independently verified either, until Aug. 20, when her campaign disclose its financials. Her associated committees must file federal disclosures by Oct….