Johnson set to attend fundraiser hosted by wealthy House GOP member

Speaker Mike Johnson is slated to attend a fundraiser hosted by one of the House GOP's wealthiest members amid an effort to boost fundraising numbers in his new role.

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) will host the event at his Longboat Key, Fla., mansion this month with the aim of benefiting Johnson's joint fundraising committee. Donors can pay up to $25,000 per person for a private dinner or the lowest price of $1,000 to attend the reception with some middle-tier options in between, according to a copy of the invite.

A press release accompanying the invite says this “will be the first significant fundraiser since Johnson was sworn in as the 56th speaker of the House."

Johnson has quickly moved to boost his fundraising prowess, after some members privately voiced concerns about his past fundraising. Last weekend, he also participated in fundraising events in Las Vegas.

“We look forward to welcoming the new speaker to Southwest Florida as we work to expand the Republican majority in 2024,” said Buchanan, chair of the Florida's GOP congressional delegation.

The press release also touts Buchanan's record of helping Johnson's predecessor haul in money, including raising “upwards of $2 million in support of congressional Republicans” when former Speaker Kevin McCarthy attended the Florida Republican’s home twice last year.