by Brandon Goldman @realbgold
Despite starting off her campaign in the low single digits, Nikki Haley is making up ground on Ron DeSantis for the number two spot in the Republican primary race while other candidates dwindle. Though still five points shy of DeSantis, the former United Nations (UN) ambassador has reached a high of 8% national support. She still trails far behind Donald Trump despite polling well in her home state of South Carolina.
As the UN ambassador appointed under President Trump, Nikki Haley began to make a name for herself as a harsh critic of America’s enemies who was unafraid to castigate them publicly. Now, she remains an authoritative voice on foreign affairs.
At a time when the Republican Party is split on what America’s role ought to be in the world, Haley brands herself as fiercely supportive of Israel and Ukraine.
With the Iowa Caucuses fast approaching, there has been a sense of urgency among many Republicans to winnow down the field and consolidate around a single candidate. Veteran Republican pundit George Will even called for Tim Scott to drop out and for the remaining candidates to unify behind Haley.
Nikki Haley Donor Support Rises
Gaining donor support seems to have come easy for the former South Carolina governor. In the summer quarter alone, the Haley campaign reported having raked in $11 million – with apparently over $9 million cash on hand.
The Haley campaign has reportedly hired a former advisor to Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley and is opening new offices around the state to expand their footprint just two months out from the caucus.
The South Carolina primary on February 24 is also expected to be a big moment for the former governor, who is hoping to steal enough support away from Trump to give her a win in her home state.
Combining Nikki Haley’s campaign funds with the momentum she’s picked up in recent months, overtaking DeSantis has become a real possibility as the primary moves forward.
The Outside In Approach to Winning
In a piece for Politico Magazine, National Review editor-in-chief Rich Lowry observes: “The Haley approach has been outside-in — establish dominance among the Trump-skeptical wing of the party and then use that strength to eat into soft Trump supporters willing to give her a look as she rises.”
Haley’s reluctance to be overly critical of the former president – and her former boss – has helped her remain in good standing with some of his supporters. If Trump falters, his supporters could find themselves more comfortable in Nikki’s camp than DeSantis’s.
Another notable feat of Haley’s has been her rising support among Independent voters. In a recent Des Moines Register poll of likely Republican caucusgoers, she is currently polling above Ron DeSantis with Iowa Independents at 22% support – a 12-point increase from August.
Nevertheless, Donald Trump remains the preferred candidate among Independent voters, with 33% support.
President Trump is still the overwhelming favorite in the Republican field, and it is difficult to see how even the surging candidacy of Nikki Haley can surpass him nationally.
But, with nearly 100 criminal charges against Donald Trump, anything remains possible. Stay up to date with this race here at American Daily Press.