Harris Sold Email List to D.N.C., Then Paid Off 2024 Debts

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by Shane Goldmacher

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) purchased Kamala Harris’s email list of millions of supporters for $6.5 million in late 2025, a move aimed at boosting the party’s financial standing and leveraging her extensive network. This transaction not only provided immediate relief to Ms. Harris by helping her settle $7 million in expenses from her 2024 presidential campaign but also raised questions about transparency and accountability within the DNC. The purchase occurred as the DNC faced significant challenges, including a nearly $100 million deficit compared to its Republican counterpart and efforts to regain control of the House and Senate. The funds from the email list sale were used to cover various expenses tied to Ms. Harris’s 2024 campaign, including payments to a media production company ($4 million), a polling firm ($197,000), and an event management company for The Roots ($99,100). These expenditures had not been previously disclosed as debts, fueling concerns about the lack of transparency in post-campaign financial reconciliation. Fight for the People PAC, Ms. Harris’s political group, spent nearly $7 million in December 2025, primarily on campaign-related costs. Critics, including DNC member Tim Lim, have questioned whether the party should prioritize paying off past debts over investing in future campaigns. While DNC officials argue that acquiring the email list is a valuable long-term investment, critics remain skeptical about the decision’s implications for the party’s financial health and its ability to secure victories in the 2026 midterm elections. The deal highlights broader concerns about campaign finance transparency and raises questions about how political parties allocate resources during challenging fiscal periods. As the DNC struggles to rebuild its finances and regain momentum, such transactions will likely come under increased scrutiny from donors, voters, and party insiders alike.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/14/2026