JD Vance, co-founder of the Rockbridge Network, has emerged as a key figure in the intersection of Silicon Valley and conservative politics. This organization, established in 2019, seeks to influence U.S. politics through various right-wing initiatives, with a substantial budget of approximately $75 million for 2024.
Rockbridge Network operates as a centrally controlled cluster of political groups, backed by tech investors who have also supported Vance's political career. The organization's structure includes five political groups and one super PAC, focusing on:
- Financing right-wing investigative reporting
- Underwriting polls
- Increasing voter turnout in battleground states
- Encouraging political activism among churchgoers
While Vance no longer holds a formal position within Rockbridge, he maintains informal ties and has addressed its members at recent gatherings. The network's influence extends beyond traditional conservative circles, showcasing Silicon Valley's growing impact on right-wing politics.
Vance's background, including his Yale Law School education and experience as a venture capitalist, contrasts with his public image as a voice for the working class. His bestselling memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," published in 2016, highlighted his journey from a challenging upbringing to success.
Rockbridge's financial backers reportedly include prominent figures such as Peter Thiel, a German-born libertarian billionaire, and Rebekah Mercer, a right-wing activist and heiress. These investors often advocate for deregulation, particularly in areas overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The organization's activities are wide-ranging. Its get-out-the-vote operations, led by groups like Better Tomorrow and Over the Horizon, aim to deploy around 5,000 people in seven swing states. Another entity, Faithful in Action, claims over 160,000 members and focuses on mobilizing churchgoers for political activism.
Rockbridge's media influence efforts are spearheaded by Firebrand Action, which funds reporting published by aligned outlets. The network also supports public polling, with results included in aggregators like RealClearPolitics and FiveThirtyEight.
"We need a leader who is not in the pocket of big business, but answers to the working man, union and nonunion alike."
The organization has also served as an incubator for new ventures. Discussions at a 2022 Rockbridge summit led to the creation of 1789 Capital, a $150 million venture capital firm that has invested in conservative media projects.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Rockbridge Network's influence and Vance's ties to it may play a significant role in shaping the political landscape. The organization's blend of Silicon Valley backing and conservative ideology represents a new force in Republican politics, potentially impacting the party's future direction.