Nikki Haley is ready to fight Donald Trump for the GOP nomination: On Tuesday morning, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley made it official.
She announced that she would seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.
Haley, who also previously served as governor of South Carolina, became just the second Republican after former President Donald Trump to enter what is expected to be a crowded and likely highly contested race.
“I’m Nikki Haley and I’m running for president,” Haley said in a video that was sent out to media outlets in advance of an official press conference in Charleston, South Carolina, scheduled for Wednesday.
During that time, she will lay out her campaign plans.
“It’s time for a new generation of leadership – to rediscover fiscal responsibility, secure our border, and strengthen our country, our pride, and our purpose,” Haley, who is now 51, said in the video.
The statement was likely a reference to the age of both Trump, who is 76, and President Joe Biden, who turned 80 in November and is now the oldest person to hold the office.
Biden hasn’t officially announced his intention to seek reelection, but it is widely expected he’ll announce his intentions in March or April.
Standing Up to China and Russia
Haley noted her foreign policy experience by addressing threats from America’s near-peer adversaries.
“China and Russia are on the march,” warned Haley. “They all think we can be bullied, kicked. You should know this about me: I don’t put up with bullies. And when you kick back, it hurts them more if you’re wearing heels.”
Haley is the daughter of two Indian immigrants and previously ran a successful clothing store in the rural part of South Carolina before entering politics. She was the first woman governor of South Carolina, and the first Indian-American ever elected to statewide office in the Palmetto State, as well as the youngest governor in the country.
Why Nikki Haley Won’t Win (and Maybe Get Crushed)
Haley is now Trump’s first direct challenger, and as previously reported, it could open the floodgates as other Republican hopefuls are expected to announce their intention to run.
A short list includes Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.
The 2024 primaries kick off next February.
Haley is currently considered a long shot, but political pundits have suggested it would be wrong to dismiss her out of hand.
Katon Dawson, a former chair of the South Carolina Republican Party who is backing Haley, told TheHill.com, “Nikki’s had some tough races, and she’s used to running against the gold standard” and added, “There’s a lane in there for an anti-Trump. There’s a lane in there to be successful. And I think there’s a lane in there for Nikki Haley.”
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Author Experience and Expertise:
A Senior Editor for 19FortyFive, Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu.
