Obama making first fundraising appearance since Democrats' 2024 losses

Former President Obama will be making his first fundraising appearance since the Democratic Party suffered losses across the board during the 2024 elections. 

Obama will attend a high-dollar fundraiser Friday evening hosted by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and his wife, Tammy Murphy, in Red Bank, N.J., according to a copy of the invitation that was obtained by The Hill. 

Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin, who has been under pressure amid growing turmoil within the party, and New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) will also be in attendance for the “dinner and discussion” event, a source familiar with the matter told The Hill. 

The fundraiser, first reported by Axios, comes ahead of New Jersey’s gubernatorial and state legislative races this year. Sherrill, who represents New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, won the Democratic nomination for governor of New Jersey in early June. She is looking to succeed Murphy, who is term limited.

The lawmaker will face off against Republican Jack Ciattarelli — who secured President Trump’s endorsement during the GOP primary race — in the general election. 

The fundraiser is sold out, and the money raised will be directed to the DNC, “as it plans to make significant investments in states like New Jersey in 2025 and beyond,” the source said. 

Obama hosted fundraisers for both former President Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election cycle. 

In late June, the DNC rolled out an “Organizing Summer” effort in hopes of forming a network of volunteers, generating enthusiasm and registering people to vote ahead of the elections in November and the midterms in 2026.