Matthias, Author at AFP Action

Daily Signal: Americans for Prosperity Action Endorses Husted

Matthias on March 16, 2026

Rebecca Downs | 3/16/26

FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—Sen. Jon Husted is landing an endorsement from Americans for Prosperity Action in what is set to become its largest grassroots effort campaign.

As Donovan O’Neil, a senior adviser to AFP Action, explained to The Daily Signal, the support for the Ohio Republican will involve a “robust” campaign from digital ads to canvassing.

It will also include a data focus, identifying 2 million voters for AFP Action to engage. O’Neil said this bloc of voters can be the “change maker” in the election.

Former Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, is looking to make a comeback after losing to Republican now-Sen. Bernie Moreno in 2024.

AFP Action will immediately commence canvassing efforts across Ohio’s 88 counties.

As the secretary of state in 2017, Husted received the inaugural Taxpayers’ Torch Award from Americans for Prosperity’s Ohio chapter.

O’Neil applauded Husted’s efforts in the Senate on family tax cuts and on a principled balanced budget amendment. “Good government is the through line for Husted,” O’Neil shared, calling him “the future.”

Brown has attacked Husted on economic issues in recent weeks, saying the senator “would rather fight for billionaires” and calling attention to rising health care prices for Ohioans.

“I’m in this for the Ohioans picking up odd jobs after work to help pay the rent. I’m in this for the parents putting $10 in the tank at a time just to make it to payday,” Brown said on X.

O’Neil recalled “consistently hearing at the doors in 2024” of concerns about the economy and inflation, a lack of reinvestment in Ohio, and border security.

Ohio has been a bellwether in past elections, and the state still carries significance in 2026. O’Neil acknowledged that Ohio “is a red state,” but that one “shouldn’t take Ohio voters for granted.”

“The final two years of [President Donald] Trump’s term will be highly impacted by how Ohio votes this November,” O’Neil said.

The Cook Political Report considers this Senate race as “Lean Republican.” The Ohio 2024 Senate race was reportedly the most expensive in the country, and this year’s race could follow that pattern.

AFP Action Launches Statewide Grassroots Efforts Supporting U.S. Senator Jon Husted

Matthias on March 16, 2026

COLUMBUS, OH – As reported in The Daily Signal today, Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action) today endorsed Senator Jon Husted (R-OH) for election and began statewide grassroots efforts across Ohio that will be the largest voter engagement effort in AFP Action’s history.

AFP Action will target 1.5 million households across Ohio representing 2 million voters with door-to-door outreach in support of Sen. Husted from today through election day. This groundwork will communicate Husted’s outstanding record from his first year in office, reinforcing AFP Action’s targeted strategy to turn out the right voters and elect him for a full term in the U.S. Senate.

Donovan O’Neil, AFP Action senior advisor, issued the following statement:

“At a time when many Ohioans are struggling with rising living costs, AFP Action is proud to announce its endorsement of Senator Jon Husted for election. Husted has championed transformative tax reform and responsible spending throughout his entire career, from the Ohio state House to the U.S. Senate, where he drove support for President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut.

“This year’s election presents a critical opportunity for Ohioans to protect the Republican majority in the Senate and prevent Sherrod Brown from returning to push his Washington first, Ohio second economic policies. Husted is the clear choice for Ohioans concerned about lingering inflation and reigning in federal spending.

“Husted will have the support of AFP Action’s vast network of grassroots activists across the state, who will work non-stop until November to ensure he continues to represent hardworking Ohioans in Washington and that Sherrod Brown stays in retirement.”

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.

It's Time To Write A New Chapter