In a bid to strengthen her position in the GOP primary race, Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley recently held a meeting with influential mega-donor Miriam Adelson, widow of casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson. The meeting took place at a gathering of Republican Jewish donors in Las Vegas, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Miriam Adelson’s stature as one of the most prominent GOP donors, coupled with her meeting with Haley, is seen as a positive sign for the former U.N. ambassador’s campaign. However, reports suggest that Adelson may remain neutral during the primary race and ultimately support the party’s nominee to challenge President Biden.
Haley’s campaign has gained significant momentum in recent months, positioning her as one of the leading alternatives to former President Donald Trump. Her strong debate performances and longstanding pro-Israel stance have garnered attention, particularly in the wake of Hamas’ recent terror attack on Israel, which claimed the lives of over 1,400 people, including 35 Americans.
The fundraising efforts of Haley’s campaign have also been noteworthy. Between July and September, she managed to raise approximately $8.2 million from donors, marking her strongest fundraising quarter since launching her campaign. Among GOP contenders, Haley’s third-quarter fundraising total only trailed former President Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
The Adelsons, known for their support of Republican campaigns, were major backers of the Trump campaign in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. Sheldon Adelson passed away in 2021, but Miriam Adelson continues to be actively involved in political activities. She recently had dinner with former President Trump in Las Vegas.
Miriam Adelson’s influence extends beyond politics. As the second-largest shareholder in the Las Vegas Sands casino, she owns 13% of outstanding shares in the company. Forbes ranks Adelson and her family as the 40th richest in the world, with an estimated wealth of $31.7 billion. Additionally, she is an Israeli-American physician who has established medical research clinics in the U.S. as part of her family’s philanthropic endeavors.
Both the Haley campaign and the Adelson Family Foundation have yet to comment on the meeting. The Republican nominating contest is set to commence on January 15 with the Iowa caucuses.
In conclusion, Nikki Haley’s recent meeting with Miriam Adelson, a prominent GOP mega-donor, has provided a significant boost to her campaign momentum. With her strong fundraising efforts and pro-Israel stance, Haley is emerging as a leading contender in the GOP primary race. However, Adelson’s intentions remain unclear, as reports suggest she may stay neutral during the primary before supporting the party’s nominee to challenge President Biden.
