Meet Al Hoffman Jr, the Republican Donor Taking a Stand Against Assault Weapons - Fortune

Meet Al Hoffman Jr, the Republican Donor Taking a Stand Against Assault Weapons

By NATASHA BACH 6:15 AM EST

Al Hoffman Jr., already a prominent Republican donor, gained additional visibility over the weekend after declaring that he would no longer contribute money to candidates that don’t support an assault weapon ban for civilian use.

But who is he?

@nytpolitics

Al Hoffman Jr. has donated millions to Republicans. He says he's finished unless the party changes on guns. http://nyti.ms/2EDTl7C

11:59 AM - Feb 19, 2018

Al Hoffman Jr. at home in North Palm Beach, Fla., in 2017. He said he would no longer donate to organizations and candidates that did not support a ban on selling military-style firearms to civilians.

Prominent Republican Donor Issues Ultimatum on Assault Weapons

Al Hoffman Jr., a powerful Republican donor based in Florida, said he would end his contributions to candidates and groups that oppose a ban on military-style weapons.

Hoffman, 83, has long been a key donor to Republican candidates and causes. He was a leading fundraiser for George W. Bush’s two campaigns in 2000 and 2004, and reportedly raised over $600 million for conservative issues during that period. In 2008, Hoffman backed candidate John McCain, helping him raise millions.

Hoffman also supported Bush brother Jeb’s presidential campaign, donating more than $1 million to the super PAC Right to Rise, which backed him. He was ranked 58th among major donors in the 2016 presidential elections. And last year, Hoffman gave $25,000 to the Mitch McConnell-aligned Senate Leadership Fund.

Hoffman served as U.S. Ambassador to Portugal under Bush and as finance chairman of the Republican National Committee. Before retiring, Hoffman worked as a real estate developer, founding and buying numerous development companies, including WCI and most recently, Hoffman Partners.

His former company, WCI, reportedly had a “very close affinity with Parkland,” the community in which last week’s shooting took place. Despite being an owner of a concealed weapon and believing in the Second Amendment, Hoffman noted that these ties are what have driven him to call for the assault weapon ban.