Matthias, Author at AFP Action

Politico: AFP Action posts 7-figure ad buy in support of Michael Whatley

Matthias on February 12, 2026

Politico
Alec Hernandez | 2/12/26

Americans for Prosperity Action, the political arm of the powerful conservative Koch network, has placed a 7-figure ad buy for former RNC Chair Michael Whatley’s Senate campaign in North Carolina, banking an early investment in a must-win seat for the GOP in what’s expected to be one of the most expensive races in the country.

The total spend in the Tarheel State will amount to over $1 million and will run on cable, marking the organization’s first TV ad buy of the 2026 midterms cycle. The 30-second spot, shared first with POLITICO, hits on perennial Koch priorities, casting Whatley as the candidate who will “stop wasteful spending, drive down prices and cut taxes.” The package of ads will also run on internet connected TV services and Meta platforms.

Sen. Thom Tillis’ (R-N.C.) retirement announcement last year following a barrage of attacks from President Donald Trump opened a top-priority race for both parties in the swing state. Democrats haven’t won a Senate race or carried the state at the presidential level since 2008 — but Democrats have been inching closer to cinching a statewide federal win in past cycles after posting two consecutive Democrats to the governor’s mansion and maintaining a longtime hold on the attorney general’s office in Raleigh.

Whatley, the Trump-endorsed front-runner in the GOP primary, raised $3.8 million in 2025’s final FEC filing period, which amounted to about half of the $7 million haul posted by former Gov. Roy Cooper, his likely Democratic challenger. AFP Action’s support will likely amount to just a drop in the bucket, though, as operatives in both parties have estimated that spending in the race could reach $650 million by Election Day.

The ad campaign is coupled with a grassroots door-knocking effort helmed by AFP Action, which began in North Carolina earlier this year. Whatley is set to join one of those outreach efforts himself in the Charlotte area later this month.

The significant spend in North Carolina comes as the group has made similar, albeit smaller, 6-figure digital investments in the open Senate races in Michigan and New Hampshire for Mike Rogers and John Sununu, respectively — a sign of where they might invest more down the line.

NH Union Leader: AFP Action runs first pro-Sununu ads

Matthias on February 6, 2026

New Hampshire Union Leader
Kevin Landrigan | 2/2/26

Republican Senate candidate Scott Brown said he remained committed to winning a U.S. Senate GOP primary this fall despite President Donald Trump endorsing primary rival John E. Sununu over the weekend.

“I’ve always believed that the people of New Hampshire are the ultimate authority on our future, and they deserve a choice between candidates seeking to earn their support,” Brown said in a statement he posted after Trump’s own social media declaration.

Right after Trump said he’s backing Sununu, the Senate Leadership Fund led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, said, “President Trump’s critical endorsement has put an end to the primary”.

Brown remains convinced he’ll win this battle of two former U.S. senators, John E. Sununu representing New Hampshire from 2003-09, and Brown serving as senator in Massachusetts from 2010-13.

“I am running to ensure our America First agenda is led by someone who views this mission not as a career path, but as a continuation of a lifelong commitment to service,” Brown said in a statement Sunday. “My priorities for New Hampshire remain clear: a stronger economy, a secure border, reliable and affordable energy and better health care for our veterans. This mission has always been about you, not me. Let’s keep working!”.

The race to replacing retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., is a top priority for national Republicans seeking to expand their Senate majority. John E. Sununu beat Shaheen to win a Senate seat in 2002 and lost to her six years later. Brown was the GOP nominee running against Shaheen when she won her second term in 2014.

Trump has gotten over Sununu snubs

Trump had called Sununu an “America First Patriot” and apparently has gotten over their rocky relations that included Sununu calling Trump “a loser” and endorsing 2024 primary rival Nikki Haley over Trump prior to the presidential primary here. Back in 2016, John E. Sununu had a national role in the rival presidential campaign of former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who finished second to Trump in that New Hampshire primary contest.

“John E. Sununu has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN — ELECT JOHN E. SUNUNU,” Trump emphasized, in a post on social media.

The move by Trump came two weeks after Sununu confirmed he had raised $1.7 million since getting into this race last October, more than twice what Brown collected over the same period.

“I want to thank the President for his support and thank the thousands of Granite Staters who are supporting me,” Sununu said in his own statement. Both Brown and Sununu continue to trail four-term U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., the frontrunning Democratic candidate who raised $2.4 million during the last quarter. Karishma Manzur, a medical scientist from Exeter, and Rep. Jared Sullivan of Bethlehem are also seeking the Democratic primary nomination.

Americans for Prosperity Action, the political committee for the fiscally conservative interest group which endorsed Sununu, announced it would begin airing its first digital ads in support of their candidate tomorrow morning on digital and streaming platforms.

“New Hampshire face a pivotal moment that will reshape the state’s future. As Granite State families are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, Sununu offers steady leadership and will advance meaningful reforms to rein in federal spending, strengthen New Hampshire’s economy, and drive down prices so that all Granite State families can prosper,” AFP Action said in a statement.

The 30– and 15-second spots will run through the end of this month, AFP officials said.

The ads highlight Sununu’s platform to work on lowering costs, cutting regulations and stopping federal tax hikes.

“He’s delivered for New Hampshire families before and he’ll deliver again in the Senate. Elect John Sununu,” the ad concludes.

According to the latest independent polling, Pappas leads Sununu by a small margin in a head-to-head matchup and by a larger margin over Brown.

Americans for Prosperity Action-Virginia Congratulates Jen Kiggans on Her Election to the U.S. House of Representatives

Matthias on November 9, 2022

Americans for Prosperity Action-Virginia (AFP Action-VA) Senior Advisor CJ Sailor issued the following statement upon the election of Jen Kiggans to the U.S. House of Representatives:

Kiggans demonstrated during her campaign that she can stand strong under the most difficult challenges. Day after day she stayed focused on the issues important to voters—getting our economy back on track and ending inflation by cutting the government spending that fuels it.

AFP Action VA congratulates Kiggans and we look forward to supporting her efforts to advance policies that improve lives and help people succeed.

AFP Action VA endorsed Kiggans used a range of tactics to educate and turn out voters in support of her candidacy, including more than 121,000 phone calls and door knocks, and 402,000 pieces of mail addressing her support for policies important to Virginia voters.

ABOUT AFP ACTION

During the 2022 election cycle, AFP Action supported candidates nationwide with more than 2 million telephone calls, 5.5 million door knocks, and more than 69 million pieces of mail. AFP Action has unmatched direct voter outreach capability that is supported by a world-class data operation.

AFP Action-Florida Congratulates Endorsed Candidates on Successful Runs for the State Legislature

Matthias on November 9, 2022

Tallahassee, FL— Americans for Prosperity Action-Florida (AFP Action-FL) tonight congratulated their endorsed state candidates who won their elections or re-elections respectively in Florida.

The following endorsed candidates won their races to serve in the Florida House of Representatives:

Alex Andrade
Dean Black
Cyndi Stevenson
Paul Renner
Stan McClain
Tom Leek
Rachel Plakon
David Smith
Carolina Amesty
Josie Tomkow
Lawrence McClure
Tiffany Esposito
Mike Giallombardo
Bob Rommel
Lauren Melo
John Snyder
Tom Fabricio
Alex Rizo
Juan Fernandez-Barquin
Juan Carlos Porras

The following endorsed candidates won their races to serve in the Florida State Senate:

Jay Trumbull
Corey Simon
Jennifer Bradley
Keith Perry
Blaise Ingoglia
Jay Collins
Nick DiCeglie
Debbie Mayfield
Jim Boyd
Alexis Calatayud
Bryan Avila
Ana Maria Rodriguez

AFP Action-FL Senior Advisor Skylar Zander, congratulated the victorious candidates after their races were called:

“We are proud to welcome this group of elected officials to serve in The Florida legislature. This group will ensure that Florida stays the freest and most opportune state to raise a family and run a business. We are excited to partner with these members to continue removing burdensome regulations, expanding opportunities for our children to learn, and increasing access to affordable health care.”

Background:

Americans for Prosperity Action leverages a wide range of tactics, including the country’s largest grassroots outreach and mobilization, a full-time dedicated staff, and trained volunteers to educate and mobilize voters to support our endorsed candidates.

You can learn more about AFP Action-FL’s endorsed candidates here.

AFP Action-UT Congratulates Mike Lee on His Reelection to the U.S. Senate

Matthias on November 9, 2022

Salt Lake City, UT— Americans for Prosperity Action-Utah (AFP Action-UT) today congratulated Sen. Mike Lee for winning his race for reelection to the U.S. Senate to represent Utahns in Washington.

AFP Action-UT knocked on nearly 60,000 doors and made more than 234,000 phone calls across the state to turn out voters for Sen. Lee.

Heather Andrews, senior advisor to AFP Action-UT, released the following statement to congratulate Sen. Lee:

“Sen. Mike Lee is a principled leader who is best positioned to represent Utahns’ interests in Washington. He will continue to champion and support bottom-up solutions to solve the greatest challenges facing our nation, so Americans are empowered—not the government. He will fight against reckless spending and work to ensure the American Dream is within reach for all who wish to work towards it.

“I also want to congratulate and thank our outstanding activists and volunteers, who worked to mobilize voters in support of Sen. Lee and help bring him across the finish line tonight.”

Background:

AFP Action-Florida Congratulates Endorsed Congressional Candidates on Successful Runs

Matthias on November 9, 2022

Tallahassee, FL— Americans for Prosperity Action-Florida (AFP Action-FL) tonight congratulated its slate of endorsed federal candidates who won their elections to represent Floridians in Congress The AFP Action-FL endorsed congressional candidates who won their races include Kat Cammack (03), Laurel Lee (15), Scott Franklin (18), and Maria Elvira Salazar (27).

This election cycle, AFP Action-FL had more than 600,000 voter contacts for its endorsed candidates.

Skylar Zander, senior advisor to AFP Action-Florida, congratulated victorious candidates after their race was called:

“Floridians should be encouraged that this group will fight for them and the principles that make our nation great. From fiscal responsibility to protecting personal liberties, these lawmakers will work to strengthen our economy and expand opportunities across all areas of government.”

“I also want to congratulate and thank our outstanding activists and volunteers, who worked tirelessly to mobilize voters in support of these principled candidates and help bring them across the finish line tonight.”

Background:

You can learn more about AFP Action-FL’s endorsed candidates here.

AFP Action-Florida Congratulates Governor Ron DeSantis on his Re-election

Matthias on November 9, 2022

Tallahassee, FL— Americans for Prosperity Action-Florida (AFP Action-FL) tonight congratulated Governor Ron DeSantis on being re-elected for governor of the great state of Florida.

Skylar Zander, senior advisor to AFP Action-Florida, released the following statement to congratulate Gov. DeSantis:

“Governor DeSantis has been a strong and trusted leader for Floridians. Through the many hardships we’ve faced over the past few years, he has ensured we come out stronger. He is the leader we trust to fortify our place as the best state to live and work. We look forward to continuing to partner with him to expand opportunities for Floridians in all facets of their lives, from how they learn to how they receive their health care.”

Background:

Americans for Prosperity Action-VA Approaching Goal of 200,000 Voter Contacts on Behalf of Vega and Kiggans

Matthias on October 21, 2022

Activists will continue knocking on doors and making calls through Election Day.

Arlington, VA — Americans for Prosperity Action Virginia (AFP Action-VA) is nearing its goal of 200,000 personal voter contacts on behalf of congressional candidates Jennifer Kiggans and Yesli Vega. To date, the group connected with more than 100,000 voters at their front doors and 70,000 by telephone.

“Our activists have engaged for weeks, knocking on doors and making calls,” said AFP Action-VA Senior Advisor Rachael Adams. “We set an aggressive goal of reaching more than 200,000 people to educate them about the candidates and encourage them to turnout on Election Day.

“With the growing enthusiasm for these candidates, we expect to exceed our goal during the remaining days of the campaign,” she said.

AFP Action is focused on electing candidates who will drive policy change and facilitate the building of broad policy coalitions that remove barriers to opportunity and help people improve their lives.

The organization has a strong, permanent grassroots presence, including highly motivated activists who volunteer during the election season by making telephone calls and knocking on doors in support of policy champions.

Kiggans and Vega were endorsed by AFP Action-VA for their commitment to advancing positive policies that put the people’s interests above special interests and break down barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential.

-end-

NOTE TO REPORTERS: AFP Action-VA will be holding a “Day of Action” on Saturday, October 29. Activists and volunteers will be knocking on voter doors in Virginia Beach and Fredericksburg from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you would like to witness these efforts, please contact Rachel Adams at (571) 867-7852.

Americans for Prosperity Action-Florida Endorses Carolina Amesty for State House

Matthias on October 5, 2022

Tallahassee, Florida – Americans for Prosperity Action Florida (AFP Action-FL) today announced the organization’s endorsement of Carolina Amesty, who is running for the Florida State House of Representatives from District 45.

Amesty’s endorsement rounds out AFP Action-FL’s endorsements of state legislative candidates. Like other endorsed candidates, Amesty is being supported for her commitment to policies that limit government’s reach and create opportunities for Floridians to succeed.

“When elected to the State House, Carolina Amesty will be a champion of policies that empower Florida parents with more education options to better meet the individual learning needs of their children,” said AFP Action-FL Senior Advisor Skylar Zander. “Amesty will support universal education savings accounts and policies to expand charter schools.”

“She also understands that inflation is an additional tax on hardworking Floridians, reducing their purchasing power as prices soar,” he said. “Amesty is committed to easing that burden through lower taxes and a reformed tax code that attracts new and better-paying jobs to our state.”

Amesty has also said she will support fiscally responsible spending and regulatory reforms to eliminate unnecessary and burdensome regulations that limit economic growth and opportunities.

“AFP Action will be working hard during the final weeks leading up to Election Day to get the word out about candidates, like Amesty, who will support policies that help keep Florida economically strong and prosperous,” said Zander. “These policies are needed now more than ever as Floridians work to rebuild following the devastation of Hurricane Ian.”

ABOUT AFP ACTION

AFP Action is a 527 political action committee focused on electing candidates who will drive policy change and facilitate the building of broad policy coalitions that remove barriers to opportunity and help people improve their lives. The organization has a strong, permanent grassroots presence, including highly motivated activists who volunteer during the election season by making telephone calls and knocking on doors in support of policy champions.

During the 2020 election cycle, AFP Action supported candidates nationwide with more than 8.5 million telephone calls, 1.5 million door knocks, and more than 49 million pieces of mail. AFP Action has unmatched direct voter outreach capability supported by a world-class data operation.

Americans for Prosperity Action-Virginia Endorses Jennifer Kiggans for Congress

Matthias on August 17, 2022

Arlington, VA – Americans for Prosperity Action-Virginia (AFP Action-VA) today endorsed State Senator Jennifer Kiggans (VA-2) for U.S. Congress.

AFP Action will leverage a wide range of tactics, including the country’s largest grassroots outreach and mobilization, a full-time dedicated staff, and trained volunteers to educate and mobilize voters to support Kiggans’ campaign.

“We are excited to endorse Jennifer Kiggans for U.S. Congress. As a Virginia state senator, Kiggans has been a leader on health care policy, amongst other key issues–she championed a Scope of Practice bill that increased access to quality and affordable health care in the Commonwealth. Previous to her career in public service, Kiggans worked in the health care industry as an adult-geriatric nurse practitioner, so she understands firsthand the challenges of our complex, expensive health care system. Jennifer Kiggans is an experienced and principled leader who can help enact a ‘personal option’ for health care to all Americans,” said Rachel Adams, senior advisor for AFP Action-Virginia.
“On education, Kiggans believes in parents’ right to choose the best education for their child and will work to increase educational freedom. Kiggans is committed to getting the economy back on track by restoring the government to its proper size and scope. AFP Action-VA will be relentlessly knocking doors and making phone calls to mobilize voters in support of Jennifer Kiggans for Congress through Election Day.”

During the 2020 election cycle, AFP Action supported candidates nationwide with more than 8.5 million telephone calls, 1.5 million door knocks, and more than 49 million pieces of mail. AFP Action has unmatched direct voter outreach capability supported by a world-class data operation.

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