A day after facing defeat in Nevada’s non-binding primary, Nikki Haley rallied her supporters in California, urging them to stay with her despite the setback.
Speaking at the Wild Goose Tavern in Costa Mesa, the former South Carolina governor acknowledged the challenges but emphasized her commitment to the fight for the GOP presidential nomination.
Haley, who has outlasted other primary challengers to former President Donald Trump, maintains robust fundraising numbers. However, with Trump’s dominance in upcoming primary state polls and growing calls from Republicans for her to withdraw, the path to winning the nomination appears daunting for her campaign.
Speculation about Haley’s political plans and the timing of her exit has circulated, but her campaign has reportedly communicated to allies and donors that she has no intention of running for president in 2028.
Nikki Haley (Credits: Good Word News)
This firm stance is a key factor in her determination to continue in the current presidential race, according to sources familiar with her recent conversations.
Presently, Haley is focused on the current election and its implications for the country rather than her personal future, insiders say. The possibility of a door opening for her and others if Trump loses is a consideration, and Haley seems committed to pursuing the nomination even if it means facing opposition within the party establishment.
To counter the narrative of a potential withdrawal after a disappointing result in South Carolina, Haley’s campaign has ramped up efforts in Super Tuesday states.
Recently, she announced her leadership team in Massachusetts, held campaign events in California, and conducted fundraisers that reportedly brought in $1.7 million in two days.
Despite challenges, Haley continues to criticize Trump, accusing him of avoiding a debate with her in South Carolina through a new digital ad. She emphasizes a rejection of coronations in America, positioning herself as an alternative to Trump, especially among moderates and independents.
While Haley has gained considerable stature since announcing her candidacy a year ago, her campaign has yet to generate a significant movement among Republicans, given Trump’s continued influence over the party.
Even in private discussions, Haley avoids discussing the end of her campaign, pledging to stay in the race through the South Carolina primary on February 24 and Super Tuesday contests on March 5.
With ongoing legal challenges faced by Trump, some observers argue that Haley may continue to accrue delegates, providing motivation for her to stay in the race beyond the immediate primaries.
