(ConservativeJournal.org) – Republican presidential contenders Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis are now competing for the supporters, endorsers, and donors who were previously aligned with Senator Tim Scott. Scott recently withdrew from the race for the party’s nomination, creating an opportunity for Haley, a former UN ambassador and South Carolina governor, and DeSantis, the governor of Florida, to consolidate their positions. Both candidates are viewed as leading alternatives to former President Donald Trump.
Senator Scott’s exit from the race, announced on Sunday, November 12, could particularly benefit Haley, who is aiming for a strong showing in South Carolina, where the fourth GOP primary is scheduled for late February. Chad Walldorf, a South Carolina businessman and financial backer of Scott, is now encouraging donors to support Haley, emphasizing her rise in support despite spending less than DeSantis. Walldorf appreciates Haley’s candid approach on issues like entitlement reform and support for Ukraine against Russia.
DeSantis, focused on Iowa, is set to attend an event targeting evangelical Christians, a demographic Scott had been concentrating on. Scott, with a substantial campaign fund, ranked third in cash on hand across both parties, trailing Trump and President Joe Biden. However, diminishing donations and declining poll numbers led to his withdrawal.
Both Haley and DeSantis have expressed positive sentiments about Scott, with Haley describing him as a “good man of faith” and DeSantis highlighting his strength as a conservative leader. While Scott has not immediately endorsed any candidate, there’s speculation about him potentially being a running mate for Trump, a suggestion Scott has previously dismissed.
As candidates exit the race amid tightening Republican National Committee debate requirements, Scott barely met the criteria for the recent debate. The upcoming RNC debate on December 6 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is likely to feature DeSantis, Haley, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Christie might also qualify, given his polling in the high single digits in New Hampshire.
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