Big Pharma Backs Harris 6-to-1 Over Trump in Presidential Campaign Contributions

National Elections

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 3 weeks ago on

November 4, 2024

How much has Big Pharma given to presidential candidates Donald Trump (left) and Kamala Harris? (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)

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Kamala Harris is Big Pharma’s big candidate for president.

Data from Open Secrets show the vice president tops the list of federal candidates receiving campaign contributions from the pharmaceutical industry — at $5.7 million.

That is nearly six times more than No.2 on the list — former President Donald Trump at a shade under $1 million.

The industry had traditionally spent more for Republicans, but that turned around in 2020, with Democrats taking home more. Open Secrets reports Democrats receiving $29 million compared to $21 million for Republicans in 2024.

Medicare price negotiations are a top federal concern for the presidential candidates, reports Amy Baxter of industry news publication PharmaVoice.

No Central Valley Candidates in Big Pharma Top 20

Big Pharma, as part of the health category, is the fifth biggest industry sector that contributes to campaign cash. Finance/insurance/real estate tops the list at $2 billion.

Abbott Laboratories — makers of Pedialyte, and FreeStyle Libre — is the top federal Big Pharma spender in the 2024 elections at $5 million.

No Central Valley congressional candidate made the Top-20 list for Big Pharma contributions.

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David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email