ANKENY, Iowa — Nikki Haley has edged out Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, coming in second behind former President Trump, according to the latest Iowa polls.
But Haley appears to be holding back when it comes to getting excited ahead of Monday's caucuses, which kick off the 2024 Republican nomination calendar.
“The media loves to set expectations,” Haley said in an interview with Fox News outside Des Moines, Iowa.
And the former South Carolina governor, who later served as U.N. ambassador in the Trump administration, echoed her well-worn line:[M]My expectations for myself are to be strong in Iowa, strong in New Hampshire, and strong in South Carolina. ”
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2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, former ambassador to the United Nations and former South Carolina governor, is pictured with supporters and other Iowa voters at a campaign event in Ankeny, Iowa, on January 11, 2024. I'm taking pictures. (FOX News/Paul Steinhauser)
New Hampshire will hold its first primary eight days after Iowa, making it the second state to vote on the Republican calendar. And her home state will host the first Southern contest in late February.
Haley gave some wiggle room, adding: “We don't know what the strength is until we see what the results are.”
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But Haley, referring to the just-concluded campaign, said: “Our people are excited. That momentum is real on the ground. You saw 300 people in that room. I think we will achieve really great results.” . ”
2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, former ambassador to the United Nations and former governor of South Carolina, addresses an audience at a campaign event in Ankeny, Iowa, on January 11, 2024. (FOX News/Paul Steinhauser)
Haley, who began her White House campaign 11 months ago, gained momentum in the fall thanks to strong debate ratings. And in recent weeks, she has edged DeSantis into second place in Iowa polls and national polls.
Mr. DeSantis has spent much of his campaign betting on a strong showing in Iowa. And speculation is rampant about what Haley will do if she finishes next in the caucus.
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Haley also surpassed DeSantis to take second place in New Hampshire, closing the gap with Trump.
A campaign sign for Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is installed on a snow embankment in Waukee, Iowa, on January 9, 2024. (FOX News/Deirdre Heavy)
Iowa, which is used to harsh winter weather, has been hit especially hard this week. Heavy snow and strong winds were expected to hit the state Friday, with temperatures expected to dip below 0 degrees Fahrenheit through the weekend and into Monday and Tuesday.
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Campaigners are concerned that the frigid weather could reduce turnout on caucus night.
“We're going to have people go out in minus 15 degrees. … I really think we're going to have them endure, you know, that cold,” Haley told Fox News. .
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