U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is hosting a fundraiser at his home on Longboat Key for House Speaker Mike Johnson, the first major fundraising event for the new speaker.
The Nov. 27 event costs $1,000 to attend and $25,000 for a private dinner with Johnson. The proceeds − expected to top $1 million − will go to Johnson's joint fundraising committee.
Buchanan is a prodigious fundraiser who regularly hosts events to raise money for House Republicans. He raised $4 million for the National Republican Congressional Committee last cycle, helping the GOP to win a slim majority in the House.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy twice visited Buchanan's home for fundraisers in 2022. Buchanan had hoped to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, but was passed over by McCarthy for the job. That led to a testy exchange between the two men on the House floor.
Johnson doesn't have a national profile, but was selected as speaker this month after House Republicans struggled for weeks to settle on a new leader, with several candidates failing to get enough votes.
McCarthy was a fundraising juggernaut. Johnson doesn't have a national fundraising network, which could be a big concern for Republicans as they work to hold onto their majority.
In helping Johnson raise money, Buchanan could again position himself to be in contention for a leadership role in the House.
