Quick Hit:

The Koch-affiliated Americans for Prosperity Action ceases financial support for Nikki Haley’s presidential bid following her South Carolina primary loss.

Key Details:

• Funding Withdrawal: Americans For Prosperity Action, a key conservative group, stops funding Haley's campaign post South Carolina defeat.
• Haley’s Campaign Trajectory: Despite sustained losses in early states and the Virgin Islands, Haley pledges to continue her presidential bid at least through Super Tuesday.
• Focused Efforts: Initially backing anti-Trump initiatives, AFP Action later chose Haley as their preferred candidate, reaching out to over 3 million voters and spending millions in support.

Diving Deeper:

Americans For Prosperity Action, a prominent conservative group in the Republican presidential primary, has announced it will no longer finance the campaign of Nikki Haley, the former UN Ambassador. This decision follows her loss in the South Carolina primary, a critical blow to her longshot bid for the presidency.

Emily Seidel, CEO of Americans For Prosperity, stated in an email to staff that the group needs to reassess its spending priorities in the wake of Haley's dwindling chances. Despite Haley's vow to fight on, AFP Action acknowledges the limited impact any external group could have on her path to victory.

The move marks a significant retreat from the group's earlier strategy, which involved extensive voter outreach and advertising in favor of Haley, aiming to offer a Trump alternative in the primaries. AFP Action's pivot now focuses on competitive Senate and House races, aligning with their belief that Trump’s presence on the ballot could hinder the GOP's success in November.

While AFP Action’s withdrawal is a setback for Haley, her campaign remains financially viable, having raised substantial funds independently. Her spokesperson, Olivia Perez-Cubas, expressed gratitude for AFP's support and emphasized the campaign's continued momentum.

This shift in strategy by AFP Action is part of a broader pattern in conservative political spending, where focus areas are constantly evaluated based on evolving political landscapes. Haley's campaign, backed by the SFA Fund, Inc. super PAC, remains active with plans for further advertisement purchases in upcoming primary states, reflecting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the presidential race.