Former Republican presidential contender Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) confidently predicted the 2024 GOP nominee, asserting that there is “no question” former President Trump will emerge victorious over Republican candidate Nikki Haley (R-SC). DeSantis, who withdrew from the race last month, highlighted that Haley lacks substantial support within the Republican Party. He criticized her strategy of appealing to individuals outside the conservative base for a primary, emphasizing that such an approach is unlikely to succeed in the long run.
With the impending battle between Trump and Haley in South Carolina, DeSantis noted that Trump’s appeal to core Republicans far surpasses Haley’s. Despite Haley’s refusal to exit the race and holding a 23-point disadvantage to Trump in South Carolina, DeSantis asserted that it’s evident Trump will win the state. The governor expressed skepticism about Haley’s campaign, particularly her emphasis on attracting non-conservative voters in open primary states, suggesting that she lacks a viable path to the presidency.
An Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey this week reinforced Trump’s strong position in South Carolina, with 58 percent of likely Republican primary voters supporting him compared to Haley’s 35 percent. Even when undecided voters were prompted to choose a candidate, 61 percent opted for Trump, while only 39 percent favored Haley. DeSantis, in January, announced his endorsement for Trump as the nominee, firmly rejecting Haley and characterizing her as representative of the “old Republican guard” associated with “warmed-over corporatism.”