Tech exec hosts fundraiser with Rand Paul

Former Oracle CEO Larry Ellison is hosting a major fundraiser for the Republican Party featuring Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) next week.

The Silicon Valley billionaire who surprisingly stepped down from the software giant last month will host the event for the National Republican Senatorial Committee at his Woodside, Calif., mansion on Oct. 8, according to an invitation obtained by BuzzFeed. 

{mosads}Tickets start at $1,500 per person, but run up to $32,400 for the handful of hosts.

Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and John Thune (R-S.D.) will also be on hand, as will Rep. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), who is running for a Senate seat.

Paul is eyeing a possible presidential run in 2016 and has become a frequent visitor to Silicon Valley in recent months, where his libertarian message has won him a number of supporters, despite the region’s long history as a hotbed of liberal politics.

He has plans to open up a local office in the area to try and capitalize on that support. 

Ellison, who has made a name for himself with his multiple lavish mansions and interest in yachting, is one of the tech sector’s biggest political donors. He has given huge amounts of money to Democrats and Republicans alike.