By Matthew Holloway |

Governor Katie Hobbs was among several Democratic officials tied to a private, high-dollar fundraiser in Los Angeles in April, according to reports and an event invitation circulated on social media. The event included multiple figures viewed as potential 2028 presidential contenders.

An invitation shared on X by political consultant Drew Sexton showed Hobbs listed among multiple Democratic governors scheduled to appear at a Democratic Governors Association (DGA) reception in Los Angeles on April 23. The invitation also listed California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein among the participants.

The event was hosted by Ellen Bronfman Hauptman and Andrew Hauptman, according to the invitation, and included contribution levels listed at $100,000 for hosts and $45,000 for “friends.” The location was listed as Los Angeles, with the specific address provided to attendees prior to the event.

The Los Angeles Times also identified Hobbs among the attendees at the gathering, describing it as a fundraiser that brought together several prominent Democratic figures considered potential 2028 presidential candidates.

A separate report from the New York Post described the event as a private gathering of major Democratic donors hosted at the home of a liquor heiress, where multiple potential presidential contenders met with contributors.

The invitation describes the gathering as a DGA reception, a type of event commonly used to raise funds and support Democratic gubernatorial candidates and initiatives. Participation by sitting governors and national political figures at such events is a routine part of party fundraising and political networking.

The fundraiser comes as Democratic officials across the country begin early-stage positioning ahead of the 2028 presidential election cycle, and amidst a tense Arizona gubernatorial election.

In his post to X, Sexton was critical of Hobbs’ decision to join Govs. Newsom and Walz at the California fundraiser, writing, “She loves taking California dollars, but she won’t do anything about gas prices for Arizonans.”

Details on the total amount raised, the full list of attendees, and how event funds will be allocated were not publicly disclosed.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.