Share this @internewscast.com

The political network financed largely by billionaire Charles Koch announced Sunday that it will no longer spend funds to support Nikki Haley’s presidential bid.

The news comes a day after former president Donald Trump swept to victory over Haley in South Carolina, her home state where she once served as governor.

In an email obtained by NBC News, which was confirmed by two sources who received it, Americans for Prosperity Action said that following Haley’s loss in South Carolina, the group no longer believes it can make a meaningful difference for her in the race, senior advisor Emily Seidel said. Instead, the group will focus its resources down the ballot on House and Senate races.

“She has made it clear that she will continue to fight and we wholeheartedly support her in this effort,” Seidel said of Haley. “But given the challenges in the primary states ahead, we don’t believe any outside group can make a material difference to widen her path to victory.”

Politico first reported the decision. A representative for AFP did not respond to a request for comment. 

The move is a blow to Haley as she vows to continue against Trump, who beat her by about 20 percentage points on Saturday, and captured all but three delegates.

AFP provided crucial support to Haley on the ground, mobilizing its vast network of political activists to help get the vote out for her in early states. The group had also poured money into advertising, hoping to fuel her rise. It spent more than $31 million boosting Haley in the race, according to Federal Election Commission data.

Donors to Americans for Prosperity, which is part of the political arm of the larger Koch network, had pressed the group to endorse a Republican primary candidate in the race to find an alternative to Trump. Many longtime Koch-world operatives questioned the decision, however, seeing little chance for her to win the nomination. 

Haley’s pathway has now all but closed, with the former president appearing to be cruising towards his party’s presidential nomination.

Sounding a resolute note on Sunday, Haley’s campaign touted new fundraising numbers to fuel the fight ahead, vowing to continue. 

“AFP is a great organization and ally in the fight for freedom and conservative government. We thank them for their tremendous help in this race,” Haley’s campaign said. “Our fight continues, and with more than $1 million coming in from grassroots conservatives in just the last 24 hours, we have plenty of fuel to keep going. We have a country to save.”

When asked about AFP Action’s decision, a source briefed on the decision said that after the New Hampshire primary, “they’d already made a commitment on January 8 with the TV buys. And there was hope, realistic hope, that things would change.” 

This notion began to fade when the surge never materialized.

“There was an honest objective belief that her campaign was still surging, especially when Donald Trump reacted the way he did towards her doing so well and not dropping out,” the source said. “That hope did not come to fruition.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
National Guard Chicago news: Judge to consider extension of order temporarily blocking National Guard in Chicago area

Judge to Decide Fate of National Guard Deployment in Chicago: Temporary Block Extension Under Review

The unfolding story in Chicago has taken a significant turn, as a…
The Louvre reopens 3 days after one of the biggest museum heists of the century

Louvre Reopens After Daring Heist: Uncovering the Century’s Boldest Art Theft

The Louvre has once again opened its doors to visitors after a…
Suburban High School District 214 gauging public interest in renovations that could cost up to $850M, result in property tax hike

Local High School District 214 Considers Major Renovation Plans Potentially Impacting Property Taxes

A school district in the northwest suburbs is currently seeking public input…
Fernandina Beach rejects ban on downtown paid parking

Fernandina Beach Decides Against Prohibiting Paid Parking Downtown

As discussions continue around the paid parking plan, the commissioners have decided…
Pardoned Capitol rioter charged with threatening to kill Hakeem Jeffries

From Pardon to Peril: Capitol Rioter Now Accused of Threatening Hakeem Jeffries

Ahead of a planned speech by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries in New York…
Bodycam video shows New York police officers rescue choking 10-month-old baby in Corona, Queens

Watch: Heroic NYPD Officers Save Choking Infant in Queens with Quick Response

In Corona, Queens, a 10-month-old infant’s life was saved by the quick…
Convicted felon federally charged after threatening Atlanta airport while armed with AR-15 rifle

Armed Felon Faces Federal Charges After Threatening Atlanta Airport with AR-15: A Chilling Security Breach

A Georgia resident is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to “shoot…
Bernie-Endorsed Maine Senate Candidate's Campaign Implodes As Dems in Disarray Hits Fever Pitch

Maine Senate Race Turmoil: Bernie-Backed Candidate Faces Campaign Collapse Amid Democratic Discord

Though the Maine primary is still months away, slated for June 9,…
Opening statements Wednesday in trial of ex-Illinois officer who killed Sonya Massey

Opening Statements to Begin Wednesday in Trial of Former Illinois Officer Accused of Killing Sonya Massey

In Springfield, Illinois, the courtroom is set to be the scene of…
Luigi Mangione claims he was beaten by seven 'ladyboys' in Thailand months before CEO killing: report

Shocking Twist: Luigi Mangione Alleges Assault by ‘Ladyboys’ in Thailand Before High-Profile CEO Murder

Luigi Mangione, once a promising Ivy League student, is now embroiled in…
New York City ICE raid nets 9 arrests of illegal aliens from West Africa, 4 protesters also arrested

NYC ICE Operation: 9 West African Nationals Arrested, 4 Protesters Detained Amid Immigration Crackdown

The bustling streets of New York City’s Chinatown became the focal point…
Immigrant rights group calls for removing pregnant women from detention

Advocacy Group Urges Release of Expectant Mothers from Detention Facilities

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Pregnant women detained by U.S. immigration authorities…