Trump and Biden Wage Fundraising Battle in California Ahead of 2024 Election

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are ramping up their fundraising efforts in California, a politically influential state that has historically showered presidents with campaign cash. The candidates are targeting the state's wealthy donors, including tech industry investors and entertainment industry figures, to fuel their campaigns.

With less than five months to go until the November election, former President Trump and President Biden are engaged in a fierce fundraising battle in California, a Democratic-leaning state that nevertheless offers a significant financial opportunity for presidential campaigns. Figures from the Federal Election Commission show that Biden and Trump have each raised more money in California this election cycle than in any other state.

Trump and Biden Wage Fundraising Battle in California Ahead of 2024 Election

Trump recently completed a lucrative three-day fundraising swing through California, while Biden is scheduled to return to the Golden State for a star-studded fundraiser alongside former President Barack Obama and Hollywood heavyweights George Clooney and Julia Roberts. The event, expected to raise millions, is the latest example of national politicians flocking to California to replenish their campaign coffers.

"When politicians look to the west, they see a field of green," said Jack Pitney, a veteran California-based political scientist at Claremont McKenna College.

Trump and Biden Wage Fundraising Battle in California Ahead of 2024 Election

Trump's California fundraising haul was fueled by top-dollar GOP donors, including tech industry investors and hedge fund giants. The presumptive Republican nominee was expected to pull in roughly $27.5 million from three fundraisers in California and one in Las Vegas, according to a senior campaign official. An additional $6 million was raised for outside groups supporting Trump's 2024 election rematch with Biden.

Biden's fundraising in California is being orchestrated by the Democratic Hollywood machine. Tickets for Saturday's gala range from $250 for general admission to half a million dollars for special access, photos with Biden and Obama, and invitations to an after-party.

Trump and Biden Wage Fundraising Battle in California Ahead of 2024 Election

The entertainment industry has long been known for its Democratic leanings, and while Biden doesn't have the same close ties with Hollywood as his predecessors, he can still draw a crowd.

"Any Democratic presidential candidate is going to be able to raise a lot of money in California, and an incumbent president has a big advantage. When the president enters a room, it fills up with cash," said Pitney.

Trump and Biden Wage Fundraising Battle in California Ahead of 2024 Election

Biden's campaign has also been raising money off Trump's recent guilty verdicts in a criminal trial. In the first 24 hours following the verdict, the Biden campaign and the Democratic National Committee brought in nearly $53 million.

While Trump and Biden wage their fundraising battle in California, the former president will spend this weekend in Michigan, holding multiple events, including a roundtable discussion at a northwest Detroit church. The Trump campaign argued that while Biden will be at a "glitzy fundraiser in Hollywood," Trump will be meeting with "everyday Americans."

Trump and Biden Wage Fundraising Battle in California Ahead of 2024 Election

The Trump campaign also criticized Biden for skipping a peace conference on Ukraine being held this weekend in Switzerland to appear at the California fundraiser. Vice President Kamala Harris will represent the U.S. at the peace talks.