Democrats raise $2M at LA event headlined by Jeffries, Pelosi: ‘Momentum is on our side’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As the party prepares for the upcoming US midterm elections, Democrats raised about $2 million at a major fundraising event in Los Angeles.

Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, and Nancy Pelosi, the former House Speaker, were the main speakers at the fundraiser. The event drew donors and supporters as Democratic leaders work to raise money for the 2026 election cycle.

Hakeem Jeffries stresses stakes of 2026 midterms

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi headlined a Los Angeles fundraiser on March 10 that raised more than $2 million to boost Democrats in their efforts to win back the House, according to organizers.

James Costos, Michael Smith, and Martha Karsh hosted the reception and dinner, which was emceed by Jimmy Kimmel.

There were also candidates from districts that Democrats hope to flip from red to blue, as well as other prominent figures such as Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, and former Rep Gabby Giffords.

At the event, Jeffries spoke to supporters about why the upcoming midterms matter and how fundraising gives Democratic candidates a real shot across the country.

Democratic leaders continue to stress that the next election will be crucial for control of Congress, especially since Republicans currently hold power in Washington.

James Costos hails Democratic energy ahead of midterms

The event raised about $2 million from roughly 50 donors for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which is tasked with helping the party win back the House. Tickets ranged from $23,000 to $310,100.

Costos said that “what really stood out was the energy in the room…Democrats are back, engaged and the momentum is on our side.”

He added that “everyone understands they have to buckle down and do the good work to help Americans who are struggling right now because of the brutal policies coming out of the Trump administration, and taking back the House is how we get that done.”

Co-hosts included Morgan and Derrall Cox, John Emerson and Kimberley Marteau Emerson, Carol Hamilton and David Kohn, Lynda and Stewart Resnick, Shonda Rhimes, Corky Hale Stoller and Mike Stoller, Hope Warshaw, and the Human Rights Campaign PAC.

Democrats and Republicans are already raising money for major races across the country. Groups on both sides have launched fundraising pushes and begun running ads as they look ahead to the midterms in 2025 and 2026.

The Los Angeles fundraiser was not just a one-off event for Democrats; it is part of a broader plan to energize donors and supporters early in the election cycle.