Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is slated to headline his first official fundraiser in conjunction with the Republican National Committee Tuesday when he makes a campaign swing through Albuquerque, kicking off an urgent drive to raise $1 billion for his general election bid.
The event, which requires a $10,000 donation, is being hosted by Kevin R. Daniels, the owner of a funeral services company and prominent GOP donor, according to details obtained by The Washington Post.
In an interview, Daniels said he was putting on the fundraiser at the request of RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “I am a pretty big supporter of Republican causes and the United States, and always vowed to support whoever our nominee is,” Daniels said.
Between 20 and 25 people are expected to attend the reception, which includes a photo line with the candidate. “I’m sure it’s going to be one of many,” Daniels said.
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
It’s the first high-dollar fundraiser for the billionaire real estate developer, who spent much of the GOP primary contest decrying the influence of wealthy donors on his rivals.
But since securing the nomination, Trump’s campaign has scrambled to set up an infrastructure to bring in large contributions to finance a costly fall get-out-the-vote operation. Trump has said he believes that he and the party can jointly raise $1 billion.
Earlier this month, he established a joint fundraising committee with the RNC and 11 state parties that can accept checks up to $449,400 per person. That’s more than has ever been sought by presidential nominees through such ventures, thanks to legal changes made in 2014 that expanded the fundraising abilities of national parties.
From Albuquerque, Trump is set to head to Los Angeles, where investor Thomas Barrack Jr. is hosting a high-priced fundraiser at his home. Tickets start at $25,000 per person, according to the Los Angeles Times.
