Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., 2020 presidential candidate, rubbed elbows with the Hollywood elite during a pair of fundraising events in Los Angeles on Saturday.
The first event took place under a backyard tent — as it was raining — at the home of David Cooley, the CEO and founder of the Abbey, a gay bar in West Hollywood, according to Variety.
The second event was located at the Beverly Hills home of Jeff Shell, who is the chairman of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group. A number of industry heavyweights were present at the afternoon reception, including “Empire” creator Lee Daniels, actress Eva Longoria, and several studio leaders.
During Harris’ speech at the first event, which was attended by the likes of “Modern Family” star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and former NSYNC singer Lance Bass, she disavowed “identity politics” and President Trump. She told a cheering crowd Trump’s actions are “not reflective of our America.” Tickets for that event ranged from $200 to $2,700.
Harris is already off to a strong fundraising start. She declared her candidacy on Jan. 21 and raised $1.5 million from 38,000 donors within the first 24 hours.
Harris officially initiated her 2020 campaign last weekend during an event in Oakland, drawing a larger crowd than former President Barack Obama did more than 10 years ago when he officially entered the presidential race.
Harris has entered a crowded field that also includes Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, and Cory Booker of New Jersey; Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii; and Julian Castro, who served as secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department under Obama. Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., are among the other notable figures weighing a run for the Democratic nomination.
Harris has already secured some early endorsements from the likes of Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., and New York Times columnist David Brooks.
