Trump to hold fundraiser with VP contender JD Vance in Ohio next month: Report

Former President Donald Trump is expected to hold a fundraiser in Ohio next month, alongside one of his top vice presidential contenders, Ohio GOP Sen. J.D. Vance. 

The new event will come after Trump hosts a donor event in Florida over the first weekend in May, which will include many of the candidates on his VP shortlist, including Vance, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Trump is expected to announce his pick for VP soon.

Vance is listed as the "special guest" for the Trump fundraiser in Cincinnati on May 15, according to a copy of the event's invitation obtained by NBC News. Host committee members are being asked to contribute or raise $250,000 per couple. But for regular attendees, the costs are $100,000 per couple or $50,000 per person.

The event could be an audition for the senator, who is a considered a close ally of Trump's. The former president shared the stage with possible VP contenders over the course of his campaign before winning in 2016, including with eventual Vice President Mike Pence. But the vice presidential picks are usually people who can help the presidential candidate rally a key demographic, or win over a key state, and Ohio is not considered a swing state after Trump won it in both 2016, and 2020. However, Trump has stated that the VP pick has "absolutely no impact."

Vance said he has not spoken to Trump about the vice presidency, but has proven himself to be a useful ally for Trump. The pair most recently banded together to help get former car dealer Bernie Moreno elected as the Republican nominee for Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown's seat. Vance assisted with fundraising on Moreno's behalf, and Trump led a rally for Moreno just before the primary.

The fundraiser comes after Trump is expected to make campaign stops in Michigan and Wisconsin on Wednesday. Wednesdays are his day off from a "hush money" trial in Manhattan, where a judge has ordered him to be present for every day of the trial.