Julian Castro, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary and a rising star in the Democratic Party, will headline a private fundraiser Monday in Portland for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

The event will be held at the law offices of Preti Flaherty in downtown Portland and will include U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, longtime Maine lobbyist and attorney Tony Buxton, and a key Maine Democratic fundraiser, Bonnie Porta, among others.

According to an invitation provided by Hillary for America, Castro’s visit is billed as a “coffee and conversation.” It’s closed to the public and to the media.

Castro, the former mayor of San Antonio, was tabbed by President Barack Obama in 2014 to serve as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. His ethnic background – Mexican American – makes him a powerful surrogate for Clinton, who will likely need strong support from Hispanic voters, both in the Democratic primary and in the general election, if she becomes the nominee.

Eric Russell can be contacted at 791-6344 or at:

erussell@pressherald.com

Twitter: PPHEricRussell


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