California Governor Gavin Newsom has raised more than $1.7 million for state Democratic parties and their legislative committees during the current two-year election cycle, according to data reviewed by Axios. This fundraising effort is particularly significant in Southern states, which are crucial for the upcoming midterm elections and the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
Newsom's fundraising has surpassed that of other prominent Democrats, with over $300,000 raised for the South Carolina Democratic Party alone, as confirmed by Jay Parmley, the party's executive director. Parmley noted that while other candidates, including New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, have contributed, Newsom's total is the largest.
In New Hampshire, party chair Raymond Buckley commended Newsom for his substantial fundraising efforts, which included over $220,000 for the state party and more than $56,000 for the New Hampshire Senate Democratic Caucus. Similarly, Molly Forgey, a senior adviser for the Nevada Democratic Party, stated that Newsom's fundraising emails have generated more support than any other candidate's.
Overall, Newsom has raised funds for 14 state parties from over 74,000 donors, with notable contributions to states such as New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada, and North Carolina. His fundraising efforts also extend to key 2026 races, supporting candidates like Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
At the end of June, Newsom's Campaign for Democracy group and its affiliated committees reported over $14 million in cash reserves, according to the Federal Election Commission. Other Democrats, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, have also contributed to state parties and national Democratic efforts, highlighting a broader trend among potential presidential candidates to support local party organizations.