Americans for Prosperity Action Endorses Nikki Haley for 2024 Republican Presidential Nomination

Influential conservative group pledges support for Haley’s bid, launching multimillion-dollar ad campaign

Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action), the political arm of the fiscally conservative network founded by the Koch Brothers, has announced its endorsement of Nikki Haley for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. The group, known for its significant financial support, has pledged to spend tens of millions of dollars to help propel the Republican Party beyond former President Trump. AFP Action’s endorsement comes as Haley gains momentum in the polls and seeks to position herself as a unifying figure with a positive vision for the future of the country.

Haley’s Rise in the Polls

Nikki Haley, the former two-term governor of South Carolina and former ambassador to the United Nations under the Trump administration, officially launched her 2024 presidential campaign in February. In recent months, she has gained traction in the polls, thanks in part to well-received performances in the early GOP primary debates. Haley has surpassed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for second place in New Hampshire and her home state of South Carolina, as well as closing the gap with him in Iowa. However, she still trails behind former President Trump, who maintains a commanding lead in the race.

The Significance of the AFP Action Endorsement

The endorsement from AFP Action is expected to provide a significant boost to Haley’s campaign, particularly in terms of grassroots outreach and organizational strength. While DeSantis benefits from the support of the super PAC Never Back Down, Haley’s campaign has lacked a similar level of grassroots support. The endorsement by AFP Action will likely provide Haley with access to the group’s powerful direct-mail and field operations, as well as a substantial ad blitz in the early voting states. In the 2022 midterm election cycle, AFP Action made millions of calls, knocked on doors, and sent out millions of pieces of mail on behalf of the candidates it supported.

AFP Action’s Rationale for Endorsing Haley

Emily Seidel, senior adviser to AFP Action, emphasized the group’s commitment to finding a candidate who can address the country’s political dysfunction and win the presidency. Seidel stated that Nikki Haley embodies these qualities and is the candidate who can turn the page on the current state of politics. The endorsement reflects AFP Action’s belief that Haley has the potential to unite Americans behind her positive vision for the future and move the country forward.

Haley’s Response and Campaign Focus

Nikki Haley expressed gratitude for AFP Action’s endorsement, acknowledging the stakes involved in the upcoming election. She framed the choice as one between freedom and socialism, individual liberty and big government, and fiscal responsibility and spiraling debt. Haley emphasized the importance of saving the country and expressed her appreciation for having AFP Action by her side.

DeSantis Campaign Response

The DeSantis campaign responded to the AFP Action endorsement by suggesting that it would only strengthen Trump’s position in the race. The campaign argued that the endorsement of Haley, a moderate candidate with no mathematical pathway to defeat Trump, would ultimately benefit the former president. The campaign highlighted DeSantis’ strong record of challenging the establishment and expressed confidence in his ability to prevail.

Trump-Aligned Super PAC’s Criticism

The Trump-aligned super PAC Make America Great Again Inc. criticized AFP Action’s endorsement of Haley, asserting that no amount of money could break the bond between Trump and his supporters. The super PAC argued that Trump has consistently delivered on his promises and questioned the effectiveness of AFP Action’s spending in the primary race.

Conclusion: The endorsement of Nikki Haley by Americans for Prosperity Action marks a significant development in the 2024 Republican presidential race. With its substantial financial resources and grassroots operations, AFP Action’s support is expected to provide a significant boost to Haley’s campaign. As the race unfolds, Haley will continue to emphasize her positive vision for the future and her ability to unite Americans behind her candidacy. However, she faces a formidable challenge in the form of former President Trump, who maintains a commanding lead in the polls and enjoys strong support among his base. The 2024 Republican primary promises to be a highly competitive and closely watched contest.