Nikki Haley announces 2024 White House run

While she’s the first Republican after Trump to enter the race, several other GOP candidates are still expected to run, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Vice President Mike Pence and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

Even with Haley’s head start launching her campaign ahead of others in the GOP, a potentially crowded Republican field could splinter support and fundraising resources. Already in her home state of South Carolina, Trump has earned a handful of prominent endorsements. And if Scott chooses to run, the two will likely enter a battle for endorsements from their many shared advisers, donors and allies in the Palmetto State and beyond.

Haley had previously said in 2021 she wouldn’t run for president in 2024 if Trump decided to run — and that she would support the former president — but last month, she indicated that she had shifted her tone. The 51-year-old forecasted her change of plans to Fox News in January, saying “It’s bigger than one person. And when you’re looking at the future of America, I think it’s time for new generational change. I don’t think you need to be 80 years old to go be a leader in D.C.”

Early polls show her trailing behind Trump and DeSantis, but should Haley win the GOP primary, she would make history as the first woman and first Asian American to lead the Republican ticket. She was previously the first female Asian American governor in the country, as well as the first Indian American to serve in a presidential Cabinet.

Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, opened her announcement video talking about the town she grew up in, Bamberg, S.C., where “the railroad tracks divided the town by race.” She goes on to say that “even on our worst day, we’re blessed to live in America,” giving examples of atrocities that have happened in other countries such as genocide in China and the Iran government murdering its own people.

Her pro-America message is joined by a call for new Republican leadership in Washington — “to rediscover fiscal responsibility, secure our border and strengthen our country, our pride and our purpose.”

“Some people look at America and see vulnerability. The socialist left sees an opportunity to rewrite history,” Haley said. “China and Russia are on the march. They all think we can be bullied, kicked around. 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 set to deliver remarks at a campaign event in Charleston, S.C., on Wednesday at 11 a.m. She’s also traveling to Iowa and New Hampshire later in the week, where she’ll host town halls.