Democrats flock to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard for high-stakes midterm fundraising

With November’s midterm contests looming, Democratic officials are gathering on the exclusive Massachusetts islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard to court wealthy donors. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico, Rep. Seth Moulton and Sen. Jon Ossoff were among those attending fundraisers, many hosted by prominent figures like former ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley and former Attorney General Eric Holder.

The Democratic National Committee, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee together reported roughly $136 million in cash on hand, compared with about $277 million for their Republican counterparts. Former President Barack Obama visited Martha’s Vineyard for a National Democratic Redistricting Committee benefit, and Michelle Obama held two sold-out book talks on Nantucket. Other notable attendees included potential 2028 presidential candidate Wes Moore, DNC Chair Ken Martin, and Iowa Senate nominee Josh Turek, while past donors Frank Herron and Sandra Urie hosted a brunch for Moulton.