Americans for Prosperity spending $1 million on ad campaign for David McCormick

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) Action, the conservative super PAC backed by the Koch organization, has launched a $1 million ad campaign in support of Pennsylvania GOP U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick. AFP announced the ad buy was made on Monday, one day after it said it was no longer investing in former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign. 

“Pennsylvanians need a new leader in the Senate,” AFP Action Senior Advisor for Pennsylvania Ashley Klingensmith said. “Dave McCormick understands where inflation comes from: runaway government spending. He’s ready to be part of the solution by putting an end to Washington waste.”

According to an AFP Action spokesperson, the ad is live and running statewide on digital, social media and TV channels.

Although one of the Pennsylvania ads takes aim at U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat seeking his fourth term, McCormick still has to earn the Republican Party nomination. He is viewed as the frontrunner, but may have two opponents for the GOP primary: Brandi Tomasetti, a secretary and treasurer for Conestoga Township in Lancaster County and self-described “MAGA” Republican,” and Joseph Vodvarka, a former candidate for various offices in Pennsylvania. 

McCormick sought the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in 2022, but lost to Mehmet Oz by less than 1,000 votes. 

Casey’s campaign has sent out several fundraising emails in response to the AFP ad buy. 

“Team, I’m up against a wall of corporate money in a race that could decide the Senate majority. My mega-millionaire opponent already put in $1 million of his own personal fortune, and a super PAC supporting him just announced a $1 million ad buy,” a fundraising email sent out on Wednesday reads. “When you’re up against that level of resources you need to build a team of supporters to help you fight back.”

The race for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, which may determine which party holds a majority in the chamber next year, is shaping up to be an expensive one. Casey’s campaign entered 2024 with $9.4 million cash on hand, while McCormick’s campaign entered the new year with $4.1 million.  

The Cook Political Report currently rates the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania as “leaning Democrat.” 

McCormick, who was endorsed by AFP Action before he formally joined the race last year, is one of four Pennsylvania candidates who have been endorsed by AFP Action this cycle.

The organization has  also endorsed GOP state Rep. Rob Mercuri’s challenge to U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-17th District), GOP state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie’s bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (D-7th District), and businessman Rob Bresnahan’s campaign against U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-8th District).