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

National Elections

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 7 months 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)

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

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.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Southwest Airlines To Require Chargers Be in View During Use Due to Fire Concerns

DON'T MISS

Fresno County Man Charged With Animal Cruelty After Hundreds of Dead Animals Found

DON'T MISS

The Personal Secretary and Adviser to Mexico City’s Mayor Are Shot Dead

DON'T MISS

‘Dried Out Prune’? ‘Corrupt’ and ‘Incompetent’? It’s Getting Nasty Between Springsteen and Trump

DON'T MISS

Newsom’s Budget Cuts Anger Allies and Leave the State’s Chronic Deficit Unresolved

DON'T MISS

Fresno Unified Delegation Takes Field Trip to Bus Depot

DON'T MISS

Trump Selects Concept for $175B ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defense System

DON'T MISS

US Expected to Declare Biden Fuel Economy Rules Exceeded Legal Authority

DON'T MISS

George Wendt, Who Played a Beloved Barfly on ‘Cheers,’ Dies at 76

DON'T MISS

Fresno Supervisors Go After Catalytic Converter Thieves With New Ordinance

UP NEXT

Democrat Notches an Upset in Pennsylvania State Senate Race

UP NEXT

George Soros and Elon Musk Clash in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

UP NEXT

What Is an Executive Order? A Look at Trump’s Tool for Quickly Reshaping Government

UP NEXT

Democrats’ Crisis of the Future: The Biggest States That Back Them Are Shrinking

UP NEXT

Tens of Thousands Expected to Converge on Washington for March Days Before Trump Takes Office

UP NEXT

Trump Arrives in Washington for Inaugural Celebrations Marking Return to Power

UP NEXT

Trump’s Swearing-in Will Move Inside the Capitol Rotunda Because of Intense Cold Weather

UP NEXT

How Trump Could Try to Stay in Power After His Second Term Ends

UP NEXT

How Congress Will Certify Trump’s Electoral College Victory on Jan. 6

UP NEXT

How Some Voters Moved From Bernie Sanders to Donald Trump

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