NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) — Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was in California on Tuesday as he kicked off a cross-country campaign tour that includes a stop in Rhode Island.

The location for Thursday’s event in Newport has not yet been formally announced. However, a person familiar with the planning told 12 News the Walz fundraiser will be held at either Salve Regina University or the CCRI Newport campus, with the decision ultimately being made by the U.S. Secret Service.

12 News reached out to both schools for comment, but did not hear back.

In the meantime, state and local police departments are already preparing for the vice presidential hopeful’s visit.

A spokesperson for Rhode Island State Police said they are coordinating with Secret Service and Newport police ahead of his arrival.

Organizers hope to raise $500,000. According to the invite obtained by 12 News, the starting donation is $1,000, and to get a photo with Walz, a donor would need to contribute $10,000.

Rhode Island GOP Chairman Joe Powers said that price tag is fairly common for a fundraising event, regardless of the political party.

“Do I think the numbers are astronomical for who he is? Yes, 100%,” Powers added.

Walz is also expected to visit Boston on Wednesday, where the State House News Service reports the he will take part in a fundraising campaign at a Back Bay hotel. The starting donation there is listed at $25,000.

The fundraising event in Newport is expected to feature a number of state and local democratic leaders including Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island’s congressional delegation, and former gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes.

On Monday, Foulkes told 12 News a renewed sense of energy is being felt by the Democratic Party.

“For the first time in a long time, I have someone who’s bringing us together and feels a sense of energy,” she said. “And I love the fact that Kamala Harris is seen as so young because, you know, it’s just exciting for the party.”

But Powers said he doesn’t think Walz would be good for Rhode Islanders.

“We have our own little issues that we have inside the state with the Washington Bridge, and everything else that’s going on,” he said. “We don’t need more of the same.”

But will former President Donald Trump or vice presidential candidate JD Vance visit Rhode Island this election cycle? Powers said nothing is set in stone right now, but he welcomes the opportunity.

“I would like to see any head of state come to the state of Rhode Island to show them exactly what Rhode Island’s all about,” Powers said. “Because I know that Rhode Islanders, 45% of them are unaffiliated and I genuinely believe the majority of them are leaning more towards the right, especially now with everything that’s been happening with Bidenomics and then Harris just being an opportunity for four more years of the same thing.”

Kate Wilkinson ( kwilkinson@wpri.com ) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook .

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