Vice President JD Vance is the early frontrunner to become the 2028 GOP nominee for president. Aside from the experience he gained while serving in the Senate, Vance has a military background, unwavering policy stances, his time in the venture capital world, and a Yale Law School degree, which make him a strong choice.
As the 2026 midterm election inches closer, Vance headlined a fundraiser Tuesday on Nantucket, where they raised a record amount of money — a whopping three million dollars — in donations for Republicans. The dinner was hosted at the residence of Bob and Laura Reynolds with Ozzie Palomo and Dave Kelsey.
Vice President JD Vance departs Nantucket aboard Air Force Two.
— Nantucket Current (@ACKCurrent) July 23, 2025
He was here less than 24 hours, and reportedly raised more than $3 million at last night’s GOP fundraiser held at the home of Putnam Investments CEO Bob Reynolds. pic.twitter.com/tPbS0r5yiG
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This was not the vice president's first foray into deep-pocketed fundraisers. He previously attended a similar glitzy event in 2022, hosted by Bob Reynolds, then-CEO of Putnam Investments — and the cost per couple that year was just $2,500. Fast forward to 2025, and donors are now paying 40‑100 times as much, reflecting Vance’s ascendant star in GOP circles.
His recent appointment as RNC finance chair explains much of the focus on his fundraising prowess: In that position, he has “access to the party’s largest donors” and is in prime position to shore up resources for the 2026 midterms
“Vance as RNC finance chair has been a difference maker already,” one GOP strategist said. “If you look at the DNC, there is no one with a similar stature headlining event after event for them.”
As Vance has turned into a fundraising machine, the RNC has outraised the DNC thus far for the midterms.
POLITICO - Cash on Hand
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) July 22, 2025
🔴 RNC - $81M
🔵 DNC - $15M pic.twitter.com/LysaKCqIe4
This could pave the path for Vance to take his impressive fundraising game and help the RNC outraise the DNC in 2028 as well, which will be key in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Protestors were waiting for Vance; however, even amid protests, the high-dollar nature of the event underlines GOP enthusiasm for Vance’s rising profile.
Protesters greeted Vice President JD Vance as he arrives at the Republican National Committee fundraiser on Nantucket pic.twitter.com/7ykiFLuQZ8
— Nantucket Current (@ACKCurrent) July 22, 2025
Here is why Vance's fundraising prowess matters: Beyond raising vast sums, Vance is using his finance chair role to build deep relationships with wealthy conservatives. If the RNC performs strongly in 2026, some insiders believe Vance will “solidify himself as the next GOP torch‑bearer” and may even position himself as a 2028 presidential contender.
Vance also had successfully orchestrated a fundraiser for the GOP in 2024. He organized the Trump fundraiser with David Sacks in Silicon Valley, which raked in $12 million.
$12M raised tonight! Incredible support for @realDonaldTrump. Not an empty seat in the gorgeous home of @DavidSacks and Jacqueline. Thrilled to see the tech leaders stepping up! pic.twitter.com/r4LIbrh4nA
— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@HarmeetKDhillon) June 7, 2024
While the Democrats are still searching for their fundraising machine, the Nantucket event showcased Vance’s remarkable ability to monetize his political cachet. Raising millions at an exclusive summer fundraiser demonstrates his powerful appeal to top-tier donors — and firmly establishes him as a key financier and strategist within the Republican Party.
There will, of course, be a primary to see who will become the 2028 GOP nominee for president, but if Vance gets the backing of donors like Steve Wynn and Richard Kurtz, he could be the clear frontrunner as the GOP primary kicks off.
