The Koch-funded super PAC that has been backing Nikki Haley’s 2024 presidential bid has announced that it will no longer be providing financial support for her campaign following her defeat in the South Carolina primary. Americans for Prosperity, the conservative network founded by the billionaire Koch brothers, made the decision the day after Haley suffered a 20-point loss to GOP front-runner Donald Trump. The group stated that it will now be shifting its focus to the U.S. Senate and House races after assessing Haley’s chances in the GOP race.
The loss of funding from the Koch-funded super PAC is another setback for the Haley campaign, which has already experienced primary-race losses in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, the US Virgin Islands, and now South Carolina. Despite these defeats, Haley has vowed to stay in the race through Super Tuesday, arguing that she is the only candidate who can defeat President Biden in the general election in November.
Haley’s campaign spokeswoman, Olivia Perez-Cubas, expressed gratitude to Americans for Prosperity for their previous support and stated that the campaign will continue with the help of grassroots conservatives who have contributed over $1 million in the past 24 hours. Perez-Cubas emphasized that they have a country to save.
Americans for Prosperity had previously funded Haley’s grassroots efforts in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina with their army of door-knockers, phone banks, and extensive mail campaign. The support from the Koch network was seen as significant due to their unmatched grassroots army and resources. Haley’s team had hoped that this support would give her an edge over then-rival Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
However, AFP is now shifting its focus to House and Senate races as part of its broader 2024 strategy. The organization aims to prevent a liberal takeover in November. Senior AFP adviser Emily Seidel stated that if Trump becomes the GOP presidential nominee, there is a severe risk of one-party rule by a Democratic Party captured by the Progressive Left, which would cause irreparable damage to the country. Seidel also pointed out that Joe Biden currently leads Donald Trump 2 to 1 amongst independent voters, suggesting that it may be crucial to convince millions of voters who will never cast a ballot for Trump to vote for Republican candidates for Senate and House.
AFP has already endorsed candidates in Nevada, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and plans to make endorsements in Ohio and Michigan. The organization has also launched ad buys in the Montana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania Senate races. By focusing on these races, Americans for Prosperity hopes to advance their shared principles and prevent a Democratic takeover in the upcoming elections.
