Top official leaves Koch network

James Davis, a top aide to billionaire Charles Koch, left the Koch political network on Tuesday, underscoring a series of major changes for a force on the right that has pulled back from its heavy involvement in electoral politics.

Davis had worked at the Koch network for seven years, working in communications and strategy for the billionaire brothers as they were ridiculed by Democrats for their attempts to build Republican power in Washington and repeal Obamacare. He was a key aide at Freedom Partners and Freedom Partners Action Fund, the Koch-affiliated political nonprofit and super PAC that spent hundreds of millions of dollars supporting conservative causes and candidates.

Davis later helped the network revamp its firebrand image and refocus on policy and philanthropy, eventually rebranding under the name Stand Together.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done,” Davis said. “Things like leading strategy for tax reform, and being able to play a role in criminal justice reform.”

Davis is starting his own marketing and communications firm, which will focus mostly on corporate and nonprofit clients, he said in an interview. Davis will remain on the board of Americans for Prosperity, the Koch network’s main political arm.

Paul Morrell, currently vice president of Stand Together, will fill the strategic advising role that Davis most recently held at the network, according to an internal memo. Gretchen Reiter will continue to oversee communications for Stand Together.

Article originally published on POLITICO Magazine