Nikki Haley has vowed to continue her presidential campaign despite her double-digit loss to President Donald Trump in Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary. She remains defiant despite new calls from prominent Republican figures for party unity behind the Trump campaign as the general election looms.
Haley told supporters on Tuesday night: “New Hampshire is first in the nation, it is not the last in the nation. This race is far from over.” Despite these fighting words, her claims of somehow being a stronger candidate against Joe Biden than Trump were met with skepticism.
Ronna McDaniel, Chair of the Republican National Committee, echoed a statement by President Trump dismissing Haley’s claims of a stronger posture against Biden in a Fox News interview. McDaniel’s analysis of the political landscape was precise: “We need to unite around our eventual nominee, which is going to be Donald Trump, and we need to make sure we beat Joe Biden.”
đ¨RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel calls on Nikki Haley to drop out of the 2024 Presidential race after losing to Trump in New Hampshire:
âI donât see it for Nikki Haley.â pic.twitter.com/1BzMs3ryrM
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 24, 2024
Other reactions from Republican leadership and supporters underscore a desire for consolidation behind President Trump. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Federalist co-founder Sean Davis, and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), among others, have made their positions clear that Haley’s continued candidacy may inadvertently aid Democrats.
Haley’s campaign remains defiant, with communications director Nachama Soloveichik criticizing the “political elites” and pollsters for underestimating Haley’s chances. This defiance, however, is increasingly appearing quixotic in the face of Trump’s substantial lead and widespread party support.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, campaigning for Donald Trump at the Red Arrow Diner, calls on Nikki Haley to drop out of the race after tonight pic.twitter.com/D3YO6nso2Q
— Emily Goodin (@Emilylgoodin) January 23, 2024
The South Carolina primary scheduled for February 24 is a critical juncture for Haley. Known for her past victories against the state’s political establishment, this primary may be her last stand. Yet, the overwhelming support for Trump among key GOP figures and voters casts a long shadow over Haley’s campaign.
The Republican Party, as echoed by its leaders and base, seems set on rallying behind Trump, viewing him as their best chance to reclaim the White House in 2024. Haley’s insistence on staying in the race despite the reality of the primary season indicates she is likely to stick around as long as establishment big-money donors remain committed to her never-Trump campaign.
