Koch's Americans for Prosperity Action halts funding for Haley campaign

The advocacy organization conveyed that they had stopped funding Haley after her underwhelming showing in the South Carolina primary

Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action), the political arm of the conservative network overseen by billionaire Charles Koch, has decided to cease its financial support for Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign.

This decision was communicated in a memorandum issued one day subsequent to Haley’s unsatisfactory performance in the South Carolina primary. In a message dated Feb. 25 addressed to AFP Action personnel, senior consultant Emily Seidel articulated, “With the imminent South Carolina presidential primary and escalating Senate activities, it is imperative that we assess our current standing and, as is our custom, ensure that we are efficiently allocating our resources to achieve maximum impact in pursuit of our objectives.”

Seidel, as detailed in the memorandum disclosed to The Hill, outlined that the organization will be directing its resources toward U.S. Senate and House races while reaffirming the group’s endorsement of Haley, a former United Nations ambassador.

Seidel expressed, “Nikki Haley has demonstrated a willingness to confront these challenges and present America with a forward-looking vision and resolutions to the most pressing issues our nation confronts. She unequivocally stands out as the most qualified candidate to steer our nation away from its dysfunctional political landscape and towards a new, constructive trajectory.” Seidel further remarked, “As we have deliberated since extending our endorsement in November, we were cognizant of the considerable obstacles in the presidential primary – yet, given the stakes involved, we could not remain passive observers.”

“She has unequivocally stated her intent to persist in this endeavor, and we offer her our wholehearted support. However, considering the hurdles in the upcoming primary states, we do not believe any external entity can significantly impact broadening her path to victory. Consequently, while our endorsement remains steadfast, we will concentrate our resources where they can effect substantial change – namely, the U.S. Senate and House,” Seidel added.

This development follows shortly after the Koch-affiliated organization declared its backing for Haley’s presidential bid in November, marking the first instance where the well-funded group threw its weight behind a Republican contender in a presidential primary. At that time, the group criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, asserting that their candidacies would only exacerbate the nation’s political decline, having previously indicated their reluctance to endorse Trump’s 2024 campaign.

The suspension of financial support represents another setback for Haley, who suffered a significant defeat in her home state of South Carolina over the weekend. According to Decision Desk HQ results, the former president secured a victory over Haley by a margin of nearly 20 points in her home state, making South Carolina the third consecutive state where Trump has triumphed over Haley by a substantial margin. The two candidates did not compete in Nevada, where parallel primary and caucus events were held instead.

Despite facing multiple defeats in the primaries, Haley has pledged to remain in the race, citing the unfavorable ratings of Biden and Trump. Olivia Perez-Cubas, Haley’s national spokesperson, expressed gratitude to AFP for their assistance in the campaign on Sunday. Perez-Cubas conveyed in a statement to The Hill, “AFP is a valued organization and a valuable ally in the battle for liberty and conservative governance. We extend our gratitude to them for their significant support in this campaign. Our fight continues, and with over $1 million in contributions from grassroots conservatives in the past 24 hours alone, we have ample resources to persevere. We are resolute in our mission to salvage our country.”