Senior advisers from the political network associated with billionaire Charles Koch defended their substantial support for Nikki Haley’s GOP presidential campaign on Saturday. Despite Haley’s underdog status in her bid to challenge former President Donald Trump’s nomination, the network remains steadfast in their endorsement.
Emily Seidel and Michael Palmer, senior advisers to Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action), presented their case to the network’s leading donors. They argued that the narrowing GOP race, now primarily between Trump and Haley, validates their decision to back Haley as an alternative to Trump. This information was shared with CNN by an AFP Action official.
AFP Action, which endorsed the former South Carolina governor in November, continues to support her despite the acknowledged “uphill battle” for the nomination. Seidel and Palmer also highlighted the organization’s readiness to reallocate resources, emphasizing the importance of flipping the Senate from Democratic control, especially if Trump secures the nomination.
The presentation was made to top donors within the libertarian-leaning network associated with Koch, a Kansas industrialist known for promoting his free-market ideas through political, philanthropic, and educational investments. Approximately 400 contributors affiliated with the network are currently attending an annual winter summit in Indian Wells, California.
Haley remains undeterred by calls from Trump and his allies to withdraw from the race, even after trailing the former president by 11 points in New Hampshire. She has planned an aggressive fundraising campaign with upcoming events in New York, Palm Beach, Florida, and Miami. Haley also had a brief video call with top Koch donors to discuss her campaign strategy and prospects in South Carolina, the next potentially competitive contest on the GOP primary calendar.
Both Haley and Trump’s campaign managers are set to attend a future gathering in Florida of another influential GOP donor group, the American Opportunity Alliance. Members of this group include prominent investors Ken Griffin and Paul Singer, real estate investor Harlan Crow, and members of the Ricketts family, owners of the Chicago Cubs.
Following Trump’s significant victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, some donors who have supported Haley are now intensifying their efforts to secure GOP victories in congressional races. AFP Action has invested millions in Haley’s campaign and has already spent over $3 million on advertising in South Carolina, according to AdImpact data. AFP officials report reaching out to over 420,000 South Carolina voters and continue to campaign in the state.
Despite these efforts, Trump remains the clear favorite in Haley’s home state, which will hold its primary on February 24.
Contributor: Kylie Atwood, CNN