Democratic Party leaders and candidates are holding fundraising events on the exclusive island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, seeking to bolster campaign coffers ahead of the November midterm elections. The island, along with neighboring Martha's Vineyard, has long been a destination for political fundraising, attracting deep-pocketed donors.
Notable figures spotted at recent events include House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, and Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.). Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) reportedly attended a fundraiser hosted by Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, a Biden-appointed U.S. ambassador to Brazil. Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek, the Democratic nominee for Iowa's Senate seat, was also seen on Nantucket.
These fundraising efforts come as Democrats aim to close a significant gap in campaign cash. As of June 30, the Democratic National Committee, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee collectively held approximately $136 million, while their Republican counterparts reported roughly $277 million in combined cash on hand, according to federal filings.
Democrats have also utilized Martha's Vineyard for fundraising. Former President Barack Obama attended an event benefiting the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), hosted by former Attorney General Eric Holder. Wes Moore, a potential contender for the 2028 presidential election, participated in a Democratic National Committee (DNC) fundraiser on the island.
The NDRC is specifically focusing its efforts on key battleground states including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin.
While primarily a fundraising hub for Democrats this season, Nantucket has also been a vacation destination for prominent figures. Former President Joe Biden and his family have frequented the island for years, and former First Lady Jill Biden has also visited for book promotional events.
Republicans have also previously tapped Nantucket’s donor network. In 2022, then-Senate candidate J.D. Vance appeared at a fundraiser on the island alongside Senators Rick Scott, Ted Budd, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Herschel Walker.