The influential political network linked to billionaire Charles Koch has announced a strategic shift in its financial support, moving away from former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s Republican presidential primary campaign. Instead, the group will concentrate its resources on pivotal Senate and House races, according to an internal email obtained by CNN.
“As the South Carolina presidential primary approaches this weekend and the Senate races intensify, it’s crucial to reassess our position and ensure our resources are being utilized effectively to achieve our objectives,” wrote Emily Seidel, President and CEO of Americans for Prosperity.
The endorsement of Americans for Prosperity Action in November was a significant boost for Haley, positioning her as a leading alternative to former President Donald Trump in the GOP primary. The conservative group, for the first time in its history, committed to back a single contender in the GOP presidential primary, deploying its extensive resources and activist network in support of the former United Nations ambassador.
However, despite the contest narrowing down to Haley and Trump, the former president maintains a commanding lead, following a resounding victory in Haley’s home state on Saturday. Seidel stressed that AFP Action continues to stand with Haley, even though it has ceased funding her campaign.
“Haley has repeatedly proven that our decision to support her candidacy was correct, and she continues to have our strong endorsement. She has made it clear that she will continue to fight, and we wholeheartedly support her in this endeavor. However, considering the challenges in the upcoming primary states, we don’t believe any external group can significantly alter her path to victory,” Seidel added.
Haley’s campaign spokesperson, Olivia Perez-Cubas, expressed gratitude for AFP’s support, emphasizing that the campaign has “plenty of fuel to keep going,” as Haley remains committed to the race for the White House.
“AFP is a valuable ally in the fight for freedom and conservative governance. We are grateful for their significant contribution to this race. Our fight continues, and with over $1 million raised from grassroots conservatives in just the last 24 hours, we have ample resources to keep going. We have a country to save,” Perez-Cubas stated to CNN.
The network’s decision was initially reported by Politico. Network officials had previously emphasized that the Senate, in particular, would be a top priority for its investments, arguing that flipping the chamber represented the best opportunity to prevent full Democratic control in Washington.
In supporting Haley last year, the group made it clear it would bypass Trump in its quest to find what Seidel termed a president “who represents a new chapter.” Seidel warned in her Sunday email that the last three election cycles have clearly shown voters’ consistent rejection of Donald Trump and his impact on the Republican party brand, a trend she expects to intensify as criminal trials progress.
Contribution to this report was made by CNN’s Fredreka Schouten.