Nikki Haley’s bid for the presidency is poised for a significant leap with plans to allocate a hefty $10 million for advertising across Iowa and New Hampshire in the crucial weeks leading up to their primaries in January. The former United Nations ambassador under President Donald Trump intends to make a sweeping impact in ad spaces encompassing television, radio, and digital platforms, positioning herself for a surge to surpass Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the GOP primary, as per the Associated Press. DeSantis currently holds the second position in national polling, with both candidates trailing far behind former President Trump, who maintains a substantial double-digit lead nationally throughout the primary race.
The recent departure of Senator Tim Scott from the primary race may provide Haley’s campaign with a significant boost. Scott, a fellow South Carolinian, announced his exit from the race during an interview on Fox News, and already, two major donors who previously supported Scott have shifted their allegiance to Haley. Eric LeVine and Andy Sabin have openly declared their support for Haley, signaling a shift in fundraising dynamics within the GOP primary race.
This forthcoming advertising blitz marks Haley’s campaign’s first official advertising reservation and signifies a substantial investment in the early stages of the primaries, particularly in Iowa and New Hampshire, aiming to secure a higher standing and potentially displace DeSantis from the second-place spot. Haley strategically aims to position herself as the strongest alternative to Trump, particularly before her home-state primary contest in South Carolina.
On the other side, DeSantis has allocated funds solely for advertising in Iowa after reserving $2 million in ad buys in the state the previous month. His campaign, reporting $5 million available in September and having raised millions more since, is focusing on Iowa’s strategic importance in the primary race.
The rhetoric between the two camps has intensified, with DeSantis’ spokesperson, Andrew Romeo, emphasizing Haley’s lack of an extensive conservative track record compared to DeSantis, casting doubt on her capacity to challenge Trump. Haley’s campaign manager, Betsy Ankney, fired back, expressing confidence in Haley’s momentum, predicting challenges for DeSantis in New Hampshire and South Carolina, and highlighting her perceived clearer path to victory in the GOP primary. This intensified back-and-forth showcases the escalating stakes and competitive edge in the run-up to the critical primaries in January.