David Koch, Jr., the son of the late conservative megadonor David Koch, is making a name for himself in sports, philanthropy, and politics. Despite coming from one of America’s wealthiest families with an estimated net worth of $144 billion, the 26-year-old recently made headlines for donating $10,600 to political committees associated with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. This unexpected endorsement of Biden’s Vice President by a descendant of the Koch Brothers has raised some eyebrows.
Following the passing of David Koch, Sr. in 2019, his wife Julia Koch and their three children inherited a significant stake in the Koch, Inc. conglomerate, with his brother Charles Koch still serving as chairman. The family has typically kept a low profile, but recently made waves with a $75 million donation to fund an ambulatory care center in Julia Koch’s name at NYU Langone’s West Palm Beach location and a $700 million investment in BSE Global, which owns the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty. David Koch, Jr. has also joined the family business, working as a basketball operations assistant at BSE.
In addition to his work in sports and business, David Koch, Jr. is following in his parents’ philanthropic footsteps by announcing a $20 million gift to Columbia University to fund a kidney center in his name. The Koch family as a whole has donated significant amounts to institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While his uncle, Charles Koch, has donated to various causes, the younger Koch’s contributions indicate a more left-leaning political stance.
David Koch, Jr.’s political donations are surprising given his family’s history of supporting conservative causes. The Koch Brothers, including David’s father, were known for funding groups like Americans For Prosperity, which focused on fiscal conservative policies and politics. The family notably did not support Donald Trump in 2016, and Charles Koch has continued to distance himself from the former President. David Koch, Jr.’s support for Kamala Harris and other Democrats marks a departure from his family’s traditional political affiliations.
The younger Koch’s donations to Harris and other Democratic causes suggest a shift in political allegiances within the family. While David, Sr. and Charles Koch have been known for their conservative leanings, their descendants appear to be exploring different political paths. With the 2024 election approaching, the Koch family’s influence in politics remains significant, with their donations supporting free market conservatives in competitive House and Senate races. Despite this, it does not appear that any of the family’s money has gone to support Trump.
David Koch, Jr. is not the only surprising figure backing Kamala Harris, as other unexpected endorsements from individuals such as Dick Cheney, Barbara Bush, and Caroline Rose Giuliani have emerged. The younger Koch’s past contributions to Democratic causes, including donations to Sean Patrick Maloney and the Lincoln Project, indicate a pattern of left-leaning political support. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Koch family’s influence and contributions will remain a topic of interest in the upcoming election and beyond.
