WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is heading to South Florida to raise money for the Democratic Party as it gears up for the campaign to succeed him.

Obama was headlining a pair of fundraisers Wednesday at private homes in Miami.

The Democratic National Committee says about 30 supporters, contributing up to $33,400 apiece, are expected at the first event.

At the second, about 60 people, also contributing up to $33,400 each, will hear formal remarks by the president.

Democrats trail Republicans in fundraising. Publicly available spending reports show the Republican National Committee began May with approximately $11.7 million in available cash; the DNC had $8.2 million.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders are seeking the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.