California Democratic Party Hosts Lavish Fundraiser
California Democrats frequently say the state’s affordability crisis is their top priority. But a newly revealed fundraising event is raising eyebrows across Sacramento, with critics questioning whether party leadership is out of touch with the financial realities facing many residents.
The California Democratic Party and State Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón are hosting a two-day golf and spa retreat for lobbyists and special interest groups at a luxury resort in Carlsbad later this month. The event, called the “Pro Tem Cup 2026,” is scheduled to take place March 20–22 at the upscale Omni La Costa Spa and Resort.
The price of admission has stunned even seasoned political insiders. According to an invitation obtained by the New York Post, sponsorship packages range from $40,000 to as much as $100,000.
The entry-level premium package costs $40,000 and includes a two-night stay at the resort, access to golf and spa activities, two dinners, and commemorative gifts. A “gold” package for two attendees is priced at $70,000. The highest-tier “platinum” package costs $100,000 and allows a foursome to attend.
The steep price tag has sparked criticism from lobbyists and political observers alike, particularly given California’s well-documented cost-of-living crisis.
“What are we doing here?” one Sacramento lobbyist told the Post. “I would not recommend to my clients to pay $100,000 for this. That’s an obscene amount of money.”
Another lobbyist questioned whether the investment would even be worthwhile from a strategic standpoint.
“To pay a hundred thousand dollars to stay at an event with hundreds of other lobbyists who are trying to get the attention of maybe 15 senators, there’s just no return on investment,” the lobbyist said. “You could spend a lot less money and get a lot more attention.”
The optics are particularly striking given the state Democratic Party’s messaging on affordability. The party’s website prominently declares that Democrats are “taking on the high cost of living by putting working families first, not corporate special interests.” The website’s donation page makes no mention of the luxury fundraising retreat.
California residents have increasingly struggled with rising living costs. Studies estimate the state’s overall cost of living is roughly 11 percent higher than the national average, with high housing costs and taxes frequently cited as major drivers.
Officials from the California Democratic Party and Limón’s office did not respond to requests for comment about the event.
Sources familiar with the retreat say similar gatherings have been held in the past, though some insiders claim the price levels this year are unusually high.
The event is being organized by the consulting firm Bertolina and Barnato, a political firm that has worked on campaigns for high-profile Democrats including Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris during her 2024 presidential bid.
Even some Democratic insiders appear skeptical. One Democratic official in the state Senate described the retreat as a yearly tradition that often prompts eye rolls among lawmakers.
“They do this every year, and honestly, we just look forward to the senator being gone for the weekend,” the official said.
The location itself underscores the event’s luxury appeal. The Omni La Costa resort spans roughly 400 acres and features two championship golf courses, a large spa complex, multiple resort pools, and several upscale restaurants. The resort frequently hosts high-end conferences and wellness retreats.
The fundraiser also comes at a turbulent moment for California Democrats politically. At the party’s recent convention in San Francisco, party leaders declined to issue many endorsements, leaving a crowded field of candidates vying for the governor’s office.
Some party insiders fear that the large number of Democratic candidates could split the vote in the state’s open primary system, potentially allowing two Republican candidates to advance to the general election.
Those candidates include former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.