Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is set to drop out of the 2024 presidential race in an address from Charleston, South Carolina. While she has not endorsed former President Donald Trump, who is now likely to clinch the Republican nomination, she has been gaining traction in GOP contests. Haley, the first Indian-American and female governor of South Carolina, initially entered the race as a low-polling candidate but gained momentum with her debate performances and foreign policy experience as Trump’s former U.N. ambassador. However, she struggled to catch up to Trump’s lead and faced losses in key primaries.
Haley focused her campaign on New Hampshire, attracting support from anti-Trump Republicans and independents, but ultimately lost to Trump in the state. Despite a primary challenge from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Haley’s campaign did not receive the boost it had hoped for among undecided Republican voters. She ramped up her attacks on Trump, questioning his age and mental fitness, while emphasizing her pro-life stance and economic record as governor.
On foreign policy, Haley called for tensions with Russia, China, and Iran to be addressed and advocated for continued aid to Ukraine. She also expressed strong support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas. However, Haley opposed gun reforms and red flag laws, stating her distrust of the government on these issues. With Trump nearing the delegate threshold needed to secure the nomination, Haley’s decision to drop out will have significant implications for the 2024 Republican presidential race.
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