Former ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has received a significant boost in her campaign for the GOP presidential nomination, following an endorsement from New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu. Speaking at a town hall event in Atkinson, New Hampshire, Haley expressed gratitude for the recent surge in support, stating that “it’s been a great couple of weeks for us.” The endorsement from Sununu, a popular Republican figure in the state, is expected to further bolster Haley’s position in the race.
Haley’s rise in the polls can be attributed to her strong performances in the first three GOP presidential primary debates. In New Hampshire, she has surpassed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to secure second place, behind the frontrunner, former President Donald Trump. Additionally, recent polls suggest that Haley is closing the gap with DeSantis in Iowa, a crucial state in the GOP nominating calendar.
In an interview, Haley expressed optimism about her campaign’s fundraising efforts. She noted that the funding is starting to come in, with many people visiting her website and making donations. November marked the campaign’s largest online fundraising month of the cycle, and December is already surpassing those numbers. Haley’s team highlighted that they have raised more funds each month since the first debate in August, with 95% of donations being $200 or less, showcasing their grassroots support.
While Haley’s fundraising has been impressive, she still trails behind DeSantis and Trump in terms of overall funds raised. However, Sununu emphasized that he could sense the energy surrounding Haley’s campaign on the ground. He described the recent town halls as the biggest and most energetic he has seen with any candidate, further cementing his decision to endorse Haley.
Sununu’s endorsement dealt a blow to former Gov. Chris Christie, who had hoped to gain traction in New Hampshire. Christie, currently in third place in the state’s polls, acknowledged his disappointment but reaffirmed his commitment to stay in the race. During a town hall event, Christie criticized Haley for her stance on abortion, referring to her answers as “word salad” and accusing her of political pandering. Haley defended her position, clarifying that her response differed based on whether she was addressing state or federal laws.
In response to Christie’s comments, Haley stated that her rivals had failed to address the issue adequately. She emphasized the importance of finding consensus and refraining from demonizing the abortion debate on a federal level.
As the GOP presidential race continues to unfold, Haley’s endorsement from Sununu and her growing momentum in key states like New Hampshire and Iowa position her as a strong contender for the nomination. Her campaign’s fundraising success and grassroots support further solidify her standing in the race, making her a candidate to watch as the 2024 election approaches.
