Trump to host fundraisers in Los Angeles and Woodside next week

Former President Trump is set to return to California for two significant fundraisers next week, with one event scheduled for September 12 in Los Angeles and another on September 13 in Woodside. The Woodside fundraiser, hosted by billionaire Tom Siebel and his wife Stacey, is particularly notable as Tom Siebel is a relative of Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom. This connection highlights the complex political landscape in California, where even family ties can cross party lines. The Los Angeles event will feature top tickets priced at $250,000 per person, while the Woodside gathering will ask couples to contribute up to $500,000. These fundraisers come at a crucial time for Trump, as they occur between his first debate with Vice President Kamala Harris and his scheduled sentencing for felony convictions related to falsifying records. The timing underscores the urgency of fundraising efforts amid legal challenges. Recent fundraising disclosures reveal a stark contrast between the two candidates, with Harris raising $361 million in August compared to Trump's $130 million. This financial disparity is significant as it reflects the shifting dynamics of the campaign, particularly in California, which plays a vital role in national elections due to its large pool of donors. As the campaign progresses, both parties are focusing on California's influential donor base. Despite its Democratic leanings, the state remains a critical source of funding for Republican candidates, as evidenced by Trump's fundraising efforts. The upcoming events will likely shape the financial landscape of the campaign as both candidates vie for support.