Tech donor network co-founded by JD Vance seeks to push America to the right

Rockbridge Network seeks to influence U.S. politics through a centrally controlled network of right-wing political groups backed by some of the same deep-pocketed tech investors who helped bankroll VP candidate JD Vance's political rise.

Rockbridge 's financial backing of Rockridge illustrates Silicon Valley’s growing influence in conservative politics.

Rockbridge consists of a cluster of smaller groups, none of which appear to have their own websites or much of a public footprint.

It has 150 to 200 members and has a 2024 budget of between $70 million and $80 million , a source familiar with the group said.

The prominence of the guest speakers at the Palm Beach gathering underlined Rockbridge ’s influence.

Vance ’s ascension to the presidential ticket has attracted more donor interest in Rockbridge , said two sources familiar with the group. On July 25, 10 days after Vance was picked, an invitation went out to several Republican donors for a “private dinner and discussion about Rockbridge Network ” in Dallas , according to an invitation seen by Reuters . ( Alexandra Ulmer reported from San Francisco . Aram Roston reported from Washington , D.C. Editing by Jason Szep .).