Congressman Buchanan to host Longboat Key fundraiser for House Speaker Mike Johnson

Newly elected Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is coming to town — and he’s having a fundraiser at Congressman Vern Buchanan’s house.

Buchanan, chairman of Florida’s congressional delegation, is set to host Johnson’s first fundraiser since winning the chamber’s election to choose a new speaker. The fundraiser is not open to the public.

“We look forward to welcoming the new speaker to Southwest Florida as we work to expand the Republican majority in 2024,” Buchanan said in a statement to the Bradenton Herald.

Johnson is in his fourth term as a federal lawmaker. His congressional district includes western Louisiana. In a statement released after his election as speaker, Johnson said he looked forward to delivering a “comprehensive conservative policy agenda.”

“The urgency of this moment demands bold, decisive action to restore trust, advance our legislative priorities and demonstrate good governance,” Johnson said.

Access to Monday evening’s fundraiser costs at least $1,000. That price allows access to the reception, but guests who want to stay for dinner as well must pay $25,000, according to a news release.

Buchanan has thrown fundraisers for Republican leaders at his Longboat Key mansion in the past. In February 2020, former Vice President Mike Pence was the guest of honor at a similar event. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy attended two of Buchanan’s fundraisers in 2022, raising more than $2 million for GOP candidates.

The fundraiser will benefit Johnson’s joint fundraising committee, the Johnson Leadership Fund. Organizers expect the event to raise over $1 million.