DONATE

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.

AFP Action Announces First Wave of U.S. Senate Endorsements for 2026

vanessa on September 10, 2025

Early Engagement in Key U.S. Senate Races Sets the Stage for Lasting Policy Gains in 2026 and Beyond 

ARLINGTON, VA – Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action) is today making its first U.S. Senate endorsements of the 2026 mid-term cycle, an election year that has the potential to reshape Washington’s policy landscape for the next decade.  

With the endorsements of Michael Whatley  for U.S. Senate in North Carolina and Mike Rogers for U.S. Senate in Michigan, 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:

“Candidates Michael Whatley and Mike Rogers have demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding freedom and opportunity through policies that limit government and empower people. We need more U.S. Senators with that same outlook to keep our country headed in the right direction, as well as provide an essential check on far-left progressive policies that are becoming more extreme by the day. 

“The opportunity in front of us isn’t just about winning in 2026, it’s about shaping the future of our country. That’s why we’ll be unleashing the full power of our 20-year grassroots infrastructure and cutting-edge data to help these candidates win — because when we organize early and lead with purpose, we can help make the difference in close races. This cycle, that could mean the difference between a generation of prosperity or a return to the failed policies of the past. 

“Last cycle, AFP and AFP Action engaged in more state and federal races than ever before, and with what’s at stake in 2026, we fully expect it to be another record-breaking year. Early engagement and outreach is critical to identifying key issues, setting a narrative, and mobilizing support, which is why we’re wasting no time.” 

Without limited-government majorities in Congress, strong pro-growth policies like fiscal restraint, regulatory reform, and energy abundance would be out of reach. That’s why AFP and AFP Action are all-in on what may be the most pivotal election cycle in recent memory. With AFP’s 36 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. 

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 Candidates:  

Michael Whatley has the business acumen and leadership experience to deliver real results for the people of North Carolina in the U.S. Senate. His commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy, meaningful tax reform, and sound fiscal policy reflects a clear vision for economic growth. By prioritizing regulatory reform and advocating for a leaner, more efficient government, Whatley stands ready to restore accountability in Washington and ensure North Carolinians keep more of their hard-earned income. 

Mike Rogers is a proven leader with the experience and judgment to deliver for Michigan in the U.S. Senate. As a former congressman, he’s demonstrated the ability to tackle tough challenges—cutting taxes, promoting energy independence, and eliminating harmful regulations. Rogers is ready to fight inflationary spending, shrink government overreach, and reignite the American Dream. Michiganders can count on him to bring principled, effective leadership back to Washington. 

It's Time To Write A New Chapter

DONATE
Facebook Twitter Youtube

PRIVACY POLICY

Paid for by Americans for Prosperity Action. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. afpaction.com.

I understand my contribution will become public information.

I also understand that my contribution may be used for state elections

and, when required by law, will appear on state reporting.

Americans for Prosperity Action is a 527 independent expenditure-only political committee not affiliated with any candidate. Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Individuals and corporations can make unlimited contributions, but names and amounts of all contributors over $200 must be reported to the FEC and are public information. Contributions from foreign nationals (except lawfully admitted permanent residents of the U.S.), foreign corporations, corporations chartered by an Act of Congress, national banks, and government contractors are prohibited by federal law.