David Koch, Jr., the son of late conservative megadonor David Koch Sr., is making a name for himself in sports, philanthropy, and now politics. The 26-year-old recently contributed $10,600 to political committees associated with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, a surprising move given his family’s history of supporting Republican causes. David’s father, David Koch Sr., passed away in 2019, leaving a significant stake in the family business, Koch, Inc., to his widow Julia Koch and their three children. Despite their immense wealth, the Koch family has mostly kept a low profile until recently.
In February, the Koch family announced a $75 million donation to fund an ambulatory care center in Julia Koch’s name at NYU Langone’s West Palm Beach location. Then in June, they acquired a 15% stake in BSE Global, the company that owns the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty, for nearly $700 million. David Koch, Jr. has also joined BSE as a basketball operations assistant, further cementing the family’s involvement in sports. Additionally, David Koch, Jr. announced a $20 million gift to Columbia University for a kidney center in his name, continuing the family’s philanthropic efforts.
The Koch family has a history of philanthropy, with David Koch, Sr., and his brother Charles Koch donating billions to various causes. However, David Koch, Jr. appears to be charting his own course with his political contributions. While his family has been known for supporting conservative causes, David’s support for Kamala Harris and previous donations to Democratic candidates like Sean Patrick Maloney show a departure from the family’s traditional leanings. This move is in stark contrast to his father’s Libertarian vice-presidential run in 1980 and the family’s past support of conservative policies.
While the Koch Brothers famously withheld support for Donald Trump in 2016, their influence in politics remains strong. Charles Koch has voiced concerns about the increasing authoritarianism in both political parties and supported free-market conservatives in competitive House and Senate races. The AFP Action PAC, affiliated with Americans For Prosperity, has spent millions supporting candidates who align with their values, but notably not supporting Trump. David Koch, Jr.’s support for Harris adds to a list of surprising endorsements and highlights the changing landscape of political affiliations.
David Koch, Jr.’s foray into left-leaning politics is not a solo endeavor, as other unexpected names, such as Dick Cheney, Barbara Bush, and Caroline Rose Giuliani, have also expressed support for Harris. This move aligns with a growing trend of crossing party lines and supporting candidates based on individual beliefs rather than strict party affiliation. Despite his family’s conservative background, David Koch, Jr. is carving his own path in the political arena and making his voice heard through his contributions and endorsements. Time will tell how his actions will shape the future of the Koch family’s political influence.
