Senate 2026 Archives

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.

AFP Action Launches Ad Campaign Highlighting Sununu’s Record of Cutting Waste and Delivering Results

gbartlinski on February 3, 2026

Concord, NH – Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action) announced the launch of an ad campaign—continuing its early support for John Sununu—spotlighting his proven track record of bold, substantive government reform. The campaign will air on digital and streaming platforms across the state.

New Hampshire faces 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.

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AFP Action Senior Advisor Sarah Scott issued the following statement:

“AFP Action’s support for John Sununu has been active and ongoing because he is the type of leader who will move New Hampshire forward. Sununu brings a principled, results-driven approach that Granite Staters expect, and his strong record reflects a commitment to limited government, eliminating wasteful spending, and prioritizing taxpayers.

“Sununu is the kind of leader who will ensure New Hampshire’s voice is heard in Washington and its values protected. That is why AFP Action is proud to continue to use our full grassroots capabilities to ensure Sununu is the next Senator for the Granite State.”

Americans for Prosperity Action welcomed President Trump’s endorsement of Sununu on Sunday, affirming the strong and growing support united behind a proven leader with a record of delivering results for New Hampshire.

Background on AFP Action Endorsed Candidate John Sununu:  

John Sununu brings a legacy of principled leadership to drive real results for New Hampshire. As a former Congressman and Senator representing New Hampshire, Sununu spent 12 years in Washington fighting to rein in government overreach, cut taxes, and reduce wasteful spending. His work in regulatory reform helped streamline federal bureaucracy and protect small businesses from burdensome rules. Sununu’s commitment to limited government and fiscal discipline reflects the values Granite Staters care about most — accountability, efficiency, and economic freedom. He’s ready to return to Washington and ensure New Hampshire families keep more of what they earn, while restoring common sense to federal policymaking.

AFP Action Rallies Behind John Sununu for U.S. Senate

jfrontz on November 10, 2025

As reported by Fox News, Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action) today made its third U.S. Senate endorsement of the 2026 mid-term cycle, with the endorsement of John Sununu for U.S. Senate.

With an election year that has the potential to reshape Washington’s policy landscape for the next decade, AFP Action is signaling an early and aggressive commitment to defending and building strong limited-government policy coalitions in Congress. 

AFP Action Director Nathan Nascimento issued the following statement:

“John Sununu is exactly the kind of principled leader New Hampshire needs in the U.S. Senate. His deep roots in the Granite State and proven record of advancing limited government principles, cutting wasteful spending, and driving smart regulatory reform make him uniquely qualified to represent New Hampshire’s values in Washington.

“Sununu understands that New Hampshire families want less government interference and more opportunity — and he’s shown time and again that he’ll fight for both. This is the moment to unite behind a proven leader who can win — and govern — with the vision New Hampshire deserves.

“This race isn’t just about 2026 — it’s about securing a freer, more prosperous future for New Hampshire and the country. Americans for Prosperity Action is proud to bring the full force of our grassroots to this race, where it’s critical we rally behind a candidate who not only understands the issues but has the credibility and track record to deliver real results.”

Without limited-government majorities in Congress, strong pro-growth policies that bolster individual liberty, fiscal restraint, and regulatory reform would be out of reach. With AFP’s 37 permanent grassroots chapters, a presence in all 50 states, and AFP Action hitting the ground earlier and harder than ever, we’re executing a bold, long-term strategy for winning elections that lead to winning policies. 

AFP Action Senior Advisor Greg Moore released the following statement:

“John E. Sununu is an unapologetic and proven champion of New Hampshire values like limited accountable government, personal responsibility and free markets. He is the perfect antidote for what’s wrong with Washington today and will make the Granite State proud in the U.S. Senate. We need more strong, principled leaders like him serving in Congress and we are thrilled that he’s running again.

“That’s why American for Prosperity Action is proudly endorsing Senator Sununu and we are committed to ensuring that he gets elected next November. We will put our unrivalled grassroots operation in full support of this effort and will work to ensure that this race becomes about the issues that matter most to New Hampshire residents and not about the political noise that has become a feature of politics lately.”

In 2024, AFP and AFP Action engaged in a record-breaking 647 races, knocking on 20 million doors, and reaching 30 million voters. This cycle is expected to significantly exceed those 2024 metrics across the board. Over the past year, AFP’s grassroots army has already been out connecting with Americans in key states like Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Ohio, talking to voters about their top concerns and their views on important issues like the economy, tax policy, border security, regulatory reform, health care, energy and more. The valuable insights gathered through those conversations will be acquired by AFP Action to help shape the 2026 strategy.  

Background on AFP Action Endorsed Candidate John Sununu:  

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