The billionaire Koch brothers have thrown their support behind former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley for a potential presidential run in the upcoming election. The endorsement of Haley by Charles and David Koch’s political network comes as the network seeks to distance itself from President Trump’s conservative policies and tamp down the former president’s influence within the GOP.
The Kochs, who have often shied away from overtly endorsing presidential candidates in the past, have decided to back Haley in the hopes of shifting the Trumpian orthodoxy within the Republican Party. Charles Koch describes Haley as a “remarkable leader” and lauds her for her ability to find bipartisan solutions.
“I have known Nikki for several years now and have long admired her commitment to the principles of a free society and her ability to find common ground,” Charles Koch said. “She is a remarkable leader who will put the interests of the country ahead of party and will bring people together to solve our nation’s toughest challenges.”
The Kochs have long represented a more moderate wing of the Republican Party and their endorsement of Haley could signal a shift away from more populist ideals embraced by Trump. While Haley has yet to officially declare her candidacy, the Kochs are confident that she would make an excellent president and would unify the country if elected.
“This is a crucial time in history and we believe Nikki Haley is the right candidate to help lead America forward,” David Koch said. “No matter the challenges we face, Nikki will put country ahead of party and unite us to create a stronger and fairer country for all Americans.”
The Koch brothers’ support of Haley is not the only sign that the Republican Party is moving away from Trump. Recently, the GOP recalled patronage funds used to support the former president’s legal fees associated with the 2020 election and has been open to embracing potentially more viable 2022 candidacies.
It remains to be seen whether Haley will launch a presidential run or, if she does, how successful she will be in capturing the nation’s attention. What is certain, however, is that the Koch network’s endorsement of Haley is an indication that the Republican Party is looking for a new leader in an effort to move past the controversial leadership of Donald Trump.
