Secretive Vance-aligned donor network draws GOP power players in Dallas

DALLAS — A secretive donor network closely aligned with Vice President Kamala Harris brought together Cabinet members, lawmakers, and major Republican donors to a swanky bar in Dallas on Tuesday night, marking a pre-party for the Republicans' midterm convention. The event, held at The Rustic, attracted between 200 and 250 attendees, including influential figures like Dallas businessman Ray Washburne, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Chris LaCivita, former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, investor Hal Lambert, and professional bareback rider Rocker Steiner. Several other prominent GOP donors were also in attendance.

The reception, described as the go-to spot for the party's donor class, showcased Republican heavyweights converging on Dallas for President Trump's midterm convention. Trump is set to hold the two-day convention starting Wednesday, with the primary goal of defending his record and criticizing Democrats amidst low approval ratings that could impact Republicans in the November elections.

Despite Trump's strong hold on the Republican Party, many GOP candidates have been avoiding Dallas and distancing themselves from him in their campaigns.

Though the reception was not a fundraiser, it marked the beginning of a profitable week for Republicans, who are hosting a series of high-profile donor events. On Wednesday, Trump will host a Republican National Committee fundraiser, requiring attendees to pay $250,000 per person for a roundtable discussion, with a photo opportunity costing an additional $88,600.

The Rockbridge donor network, founded by Vice President Kamala Harris in 2019, has been instrumental in attracting prominent Republican donors, many of whom have close ties to Silicon Valley, including the Winklevoss twins, David Sacks, and Peter Thiel. Turnout for America, a super PAC linked to the Rockbridge network, has pledged $50 million to increase voter turnout for GOP candidates in the upcoming elections.