New ILA study finds Trump-Blacklisted Koch Network backing “ideological Democrats” over Republicans aligned 94% with the GOP platform
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new Institute for Legislative Analysis study reveals the Koch network is targeting top MAGA Republicans for defeat in primary elections while its affiliated organizations coordinate with George Soros’ political network and other progressive groups.
President Trump has repeatedly criticized Americans for Prosperity, the grassroots arm of the Koch network operating in 35 states, calling it “Americans for NO Prosperity” and blacklisting anyone who worked for or is endorsed by AFP from serving in his administration.
Wyoming, where AFP is supporting a record number of non-incumbents and heavily mobilizing its activist network, provides a revealing example of the organization’s efforts in Republican primaries. ILA’s new study found AFP is backing “ideological Democrats” based on an analysis of thousands of votes cast by all 93 members of the Wyoming Legislature, measuring their alignment with the Republican platform and the America First policy agenda adopted at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
For example, AFP endorsed Julie Jarvis, who voted with the GOP platform just 32% of the time (scores of 0 – 50% reflect an “ideological Democrat”). Jarvis has an extensive record of supporting corporate welfare and big-government initiatives, including funding for entities advancing politicized LGBTQ+, racial justice, and climate agendas.
In sharp contrast, her challenger, Jeanette Ward (95% rating), maintained the most fiscally disciplined voting record during her time in office, according to ILA data. The average GOP platform rating of Republicans AFP is seeking to defeat is 94%.
Despite polls showing 81% of Republicans seek a system tougher on crime, AFP has emphasized criminal justice reform in its decisions, including its endorsement of Tony Niemiec (27% rating), over Marlene Brady (95% rating). AFP cited Niemiec’s “passion for criminal justice” as “vital to AFP-WY’s efforts to pass public safety and judicial selection reforms.”
George Soros’ Open Society Foundations has an extensive history of funding criminal justice DEI policies focused on racial disparities and progressive prosecutors. Soros-funded organizations, including the ACLU, have been active in Wyoming advocating criminal justice reforms incorporating similar DEI priorities.
Koch and Soros-Linked Alliances:
1. The Koch network’s CEO Brian Hooks, serves on The Just Trust’s board. The Just Trust is sponsored by the Soros-backed New Venture Fund, whose sister group Sixteen Thirty Fund spent more than $300 million in 2024 supporting Kamala Harris and Democrat candidates.
2. The Koch network joined the Soros-funded Vera Institute for Justice in an initiative to “shape” the criminal justice system by applying the rule of law “proportionality” to “address disparities involving race and class”.
3. The Koch network joined Soros’ Open Society Foundations in funding NYU’s Policing Project, which later produced a playbook for defunding the police and shifting resources to social programs.
4. The Koch network helped launch the Council on Criminal Justice alongside Black Lives Matter activist DeRay Mckesson, advancing softer sentencing, reduced incarceration, and limits on policing.
5. The Koch network joined Soros’ Open Society Foundations in launching the Quincy Institute, which pushes reduced U.S. global leadership and repeatedly attacked Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran deal and Paris climate accord.
6. The Koch network funded COVID-19 studies that branded the Sturgis motorcycle rally a “superspreader” and portrayed opposition to lockdowns as rooted in the “pro-Trump impulses of Christian nationalism”.
The Institute for Legislative Analysis has launched a fundraising campaign with a $250,000 goal to establish the Center to Restore Law and Order. Modeled on the success of ILA’s Center for Healthcare Affordability, the new center will counter the billion-dollar influence of the Soros and Koch networks and partner with lawmakers to expose, stop, and repeal criminal justice policies rooted in DEI across state legislatures.
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