Nikki Haley Reportedly Lands Major Pence Donor In Latest Campaign Boon

Topline

Food mogul and major GOP donor Ron Cameron flipped his support to former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley after former Vice President Mike Pence suspended his 2024 presidential campaign, according to Politico, in the latest boon for Haley’s campaign, which remains far behind former President Donald Trump for the Republican primary lead but has been recently closing in on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for second place.

Haley launched her candidacy for the U.S presidency in February.

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Key Facts

Cameron was one of the largest donors behind Pence’s campaign, which accumulated more than $600,000 worth of debt during the former vice president’s run, the New York Times reported.

Haley is polling third in the GOP presidential race, according to RealClearPolitics’ Republican polling average, with 8.3% support—a fraction of Trump’s 59.3% support but more than double what the former South Carolina governor was polling in late August.

Cameron lauded Haley’s “business, politics and foreign relations” experience in a statement to Politico, noting she had “the backbone to get things done without being offensive.”

Haley raised more than $11 million between July and September, according to multiple outlets.

Forbes has reached out to Cameron for comment via his company, Mountaire Farms.

Big Number

5.1 percentage points. That’s the polling gap between DeSantis and Haley. Just three months ago, that gap was more than 17 points, according to RealClearPolitics, as DeSantis’ campaign has struggled in recent months.

What To Watch For

Haley, DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will participate in the third Republican debate Wednesday.

Key Background

The $11 million in funds raised by Haley’s campaign from July to September is nearly $4 million more than it collected during the previous quarter, though it remained below DeSantis’ reported fundraising during the same period ($15 million) and the Trump campaign’s reported $45.5 million haul. Haley has secured new donors recently including former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, according to the Associated Press. Rauner contributed to DeSantis’ campaign for Florida governor but has pledged support for Haley, telling the Associated Press she has the “best chance to win the general election” and that her strong relationship with Israel puts her above Trump’s challengers.

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What To Watch For

Key Background

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