Americans for Prosperity Action Spends $157 Million to Influence Elections

During the current election cycle, Americans for Prosperity Action, a super PAC linked to Charles Koch and the late David Koch, has significantly increased its spending, reaching a record $157 million. This spending surge has more than tripled compared to the $47.7 million spent in 2020. The super PAC's primary focus has been on supporting Republican candidates in key Senate races across states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where they are backing David McCormick and Bernie Moreno against incumbents Bob Casey and Sherrod Brown. Moreover, AFP Action has extended its influence to numerous other races, engaging in a total of 647 campaigns, including presidential primaries. The organization's approach is characterized by grassroots efforts, utilizing canvassing, digital ads, and mailers as part of its campaign strategy. According to spokesman Bill Riggs, this extensive political machine is built on years of community engagement and refined data. The funding for AFP Action comes from Koch Industries and the larger Koch network, including a notable contribution of $40 million from Koch itself. The increase in financial power for conservative candidates is framed as a measure to prevent what they term “one-party progressive rule” in Washington. After backing Nikki Haley in the GOP presidential primary, the super PAC shifted its focus following her loss, directing financial resources toward crucial races. While opposition from left-wing billionaires also marks this election cycle, the massive expenditures by AFP Action highlight the significant role super PACs play within American politics, particularly after the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United ruling.