Nikki Haley, a contender in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, has announced her intention to stay in the race at least until Super Tuesday.
The decision comes in the wake of her criticism of the Republican National Committee (RNC) for allegedly favoring former President Donald Trump.
Haley, who previously served as the US ambassador to the United Nations under Trump’s administration, expressed confidence in her prospects, particularly in her home state of South Carolina, as she seeks to rebound from less-than-stellar performances in the Iowa Republican caucus and last week’s New Hampshire primary.
During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Haley stated, “I think I need to do better than I did in New Hampshire. So this is a building situation.”
Super Tuesday
While she stopped short of committing to remain in the race through the Republican nominating convention in July, she emphasised her determination to participate in Super Tuesday.
“I have every intention of going to Super Tuesday,” she affirmed. “I take it one state at a time. I don’t think too far ahead, but I’m not going anywhere.”
Haley’s criticism extended to the RNC, which she accused of not being an impartial arbiter in the Republican primary race.
Last week, following Trump’s victory in New Hampshire, RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel suggested that Trump’s dominance within the party was set to increase, urging Republicans to unite behind Trump as the eventual nominee.
McDaniel notably told Fox News, “I don’t see it for Nikki Haley.”
Presumptive nominee
The RNC had also floated a proposal, later withdrawn, to declare Trump as the “presumptive nominee.”
However, Trump weighed in on Thursday, using his social media platform to discourage the RNC from pursuing the resolution, emphasizing the importance of party unity and stating his desire to “finish the process off AT THE BALLOT BOX.”
As Nikki Haley continues to campaign in the Republican primary race, the GOP faces an internal struggle over the role and influence of former President Donald Trump, setting the stage for a dynamic and closely-watched contest in the lead-up to Super Tuesday and beyond.
