The influential conservative group, Americans For Prosperity Action, has decided to withdraw its financial backing from former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign following her fourth consecutive defeat.
The group’s decision arrives in the aftermath of Haley’s 20-point loss to ex-President Donald Trump in the last weekend’s contest.
The Koch network had thrown its support behind Haley’s presidential bid ahead of the Iowa caucuses in late November. This endorsement provided Haley with a much-needed boost in the state and effectively undermined the standing of Trump’s primary alternative, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Emily Seidel, CEO of Americans For Prosperity Action, expressed continued endorsement for Haley in an email on Sunday, stating, “Haley has shown us again and again that we made the right decision in supporting her candidacy and she continues to have our strong endorsement.” However, Seidel conceded that the hurdles in the upcoming primary states were significant, and she doubted the ability of any external group to significantly expand Haley’s chances of victory.
Seidel announced that while the group will continue to endorse Haley, its resources would be redirected to areas where they could make a more substantial impact, specifically the U.S Senate and House races.
The group’s letter expressed serious concerns about the potential consequences if Trump leads the Republican ticket, warning of the risk of one-party rule by a Democratic Party influenced by the Progressive Left, which, according to them, could cause irreversible harm to the country.
Drawing upon the outcomes of the last three election cycles, the letter emphasized the consistent rejection of Trump by voters and the negative impact this had on the Republican party brand. This trend was underlined by the recent elections in Virginia in 2023 and the special elections in New York and Pennsylvania earlier this month. The group also suggested that this trend may intensify as ongoing criminal trials progress.
Despite the blowout loss in South Carolina and the withdrawal of support from the Koch network, Haley remains undeterred. She has publicly stated that she will not abandon her fight for the presidency.
