Koch Brothers’ Political Network Abandons Financial Backing for Nikki Haley’s Presidential Bid

The recent political landscape has seen a significant shift as Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP), a libertarian conservative political policy network founded by the influential Koch brothers, announced on February 25, 2024, that it would no longer provide financial support for Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign. This decision came following Haley’s loss in the Republican primary in her home state of South Carolina to former President Donald Trump.

AFP, known for its substantial grassroots operation and financial resources, had initially endorsed and supported Haley’s campaign in November 2023. The organization had pledged to launch a multimillion-dollar ad campaign and provide on-the-ground volunteers to boost Haley’s chances in early and Super Tuesday states. However, with Haley’s defeat in South Carolina, AFP decided to redirect its resources towards House and Senate races.

In an email to staff, AFP CEO Emily Seidel expressed her continued support for Haley, acknowledging her determination to continue fighting. Seidel stated that while AFP believed in Haley’s candidacy, they did not believe any outside group could make a significant difference in her path to victory.

Despite the loss of AFP’s financial backing, Haley’s campaign insisted that they were experiencing strong fundraising efforts. In the 24 hours following South Carolina’s primary results, the campaign reported raising over $1 million from online donations. Haley also planned to fundraise vigorously over the next 10 days as she crisscrossed the country for a campaign swing.

The decision by AFP to withdraw its support marks another setback for Haley as her path forward narrows. However, Haley’s campaign remained optimistic, with spokesperson Olivia Perez Cubas expressing gratitude for AFP’s support and emphasizing their ongoing fundraising efforts.

The Koch brothers, known for their significant influence in conservative politics, have a long history of supporting candidates and causes aligned with their libertarian ideology. Their decision to withdraw support from Haley’s campaign may be seen as a strategic move, given the challenges ahead for her in the primary states.

AFP’s focus on House and Senate races reflects the organization’s belief that the risk of one-party rule by the Democratic Party, particularly if Trump is the Republican nominee, could cause severe damage to the country. This shift in resources underscores the importance of these races in shaping the political landscape and the potential consequences of the upcoming elections.

The withdrawal of AFP’s support for Haley’s campaign is a notable development in the ongoing presidential race. As the race continues to unfold, the decisions and actions of influential political networks and organizations will continue to shape the political landscape and the outcomes of the elections.

In conclusion, the Koch brothers’ political network, Americans for Prosperity Action, has decided to withdraw its financial support from Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign following her loss in the South Carolina primary. This decision represents a significant setback for Haley as she continues to face challenges in her bid for the presidency. However, Haley’s campaign remains optimistic, with strong fundraising efforts and a plan to crisscross the country for a campaign swing. AFP’s focus on House and Senate races underscores the importance of these races in shaping the political landscape and the potential consequences of the upcoming elections.