Former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley is considering running for the Republican Party’s nomination for the US presidential election in 2024 and on Wednesday made it clear that she could officially announce it on February 15.
Haley, presenting herself as a younger and fresher alternative to ex-President Donald Trump, has hinted at a possible run and said in a video posted on social media that America is ready for a “new generation” at the helm.
“My family and I have a big announcement to share with you on February 15th! And yes, it will definitely be a Big Day in South Carolina!” Haley made the announcement on Twitter, inviting her supporters to attend the event in South Carolina’s largest city, Charleston.
Trump is so far the only Republican to officially announce his candidacy for the presidency in two years. 10 people from the Democratic Party have already done it.
Haley, 51, was the governor of South Carolina before Trump appointed her as US ambassador to the United Nations, a post she held for two years. She had previously said she would not run as Trump’s rival.
“Nikki should follow her heart, not her honor. She should definitely run!” Trump announced on his social network in an attempt to cast doubt on Haley’s loyalty.
Others, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence, are expected to follow Haley with announcements for the Republican White House nomination.
Nimrat (Nicky) Haley, born Randhawa, is the daughter of Indian immigrants. She was born in South Carolina to Sikh immigrants from the Indian state of Punjab, but now identifies as a Christian. She is married to an officer in the South Carolina National Guard and has two children.
Haley was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2005 to 2011, the Governor of South Carolina from 2011 to January 2017, and the US Ambassador to the United Nations from January 2017 to December 2018.
