Supporters of Nikki Haley in Limbo: Who Will They Back in the General Election?
As Nikki Haley suspended her campaign Wednesday morning, a major question remained: Who will her voters, who span the political spectrum, throw their support behind in the general election?
Carole Colburn of Arlington, Virginia, a “huge supporter” of Haley, expressed her disappointment at the end of Haley’s historic campaign. She believes in the need for a “new generational leader” to bring about change in the country. However, with the likely Trump-Biden matchup, Colburn is unsure about who she will ultimately back.
Kelly Schofield, a self-described old school conservative and Fairfax County voter, has been a loyal Haley supporter since former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin endorsed her bid for South Carolina governor. Despite the end of Haley’s campaign, Schofield plans to write her in this November. She values candidates who protect the US Constitution and display civility and dignity, qualities she doubts in the other candidate.
Schofield is disheartened by the Trump-Biden matchup, especially considering their age. She believes that scrutiny of the vice-presidential candidates is necessary since they may end up becoming president during their term. Schofield predicts that many Haley supporters will not support Trump and sees him facing a challenge in drawing independent voters.
According to CNN’s exit polls, only 19% of Haley voters would be satisfied with Trump as the Republican nominee. Schofield believes that Trump has turned off independent voters with his lack of character. She doubts his ability to regain the support of Haley voters and independent voters.
Biden made an appeal to Haley supporters, acknowledging that there may be “common ground” on important issues like democracy, rule of law, and NATO. However, Schofield remains firm in her decision to stick with a Republican candidate as a conservative.
Alissa Baker, a Loudoun County, Virginia voter who previously backed Trump, is considering voting for Biden this time. While she appreciates Biden’s appeal to Haley supporters, she feels that the Democratic Party as a whole does not represent her views. Baker had been feeling out of place in the GOP even before Haley’s campaign.
Baker listened to Trump surrogates who presented a conciliatory tone, but she found concern in Trump’s combative tone on Truth Social, where he boasted about Haley’s defeat. She believes that Trump being himself plays well to his base, but it alienates those looking for a more moderate solution.
Tamara Wilson, a lifelong Democrat, voted for Haley in the Virginia primary to prevent Trump from becoming the Republican nominee. Now, she hopes to encourage dedicated Republicans who voted for Haley to back Biden in November. She believes that party lines should be set aside when the stakes are high.
Jim Fetgatter, a lifelong Republican voter, supported Trump in 2020 but lost faith in him due to his foreign policy approach. He is unconvinced that Trump will appeal to Haley’s voters or change enough as a candidate for him to support Trump. He also won’t back Biden, viewing him as unfit for office. Instead, Fetgatter may write-in someone or vote for a third-party candidate backed by the centrist group No Labels.
Brittany Martinez, who has worked in Republican politics, chose Haley because she offered new and different leadership in the party. Martinez, a California voter who previously voted for Trump, will not vote for him again but is not surprised that the party establishment has fallen in line behind him so quickly.
While Haley has rejected the idea of serving as Trump’s vice president, some supporters hope there is a place for her in a potential second Trump administration. Margaret St. Amand from Charlotte, North Carolina, wishes that Trump would invite Haley to be part of his team. She sees Haley as great at international affairs and suggests roles like Secretary of State for her. St. Amand remains hopeful about the chances of Haley being included in a future Trump administration.
In conclusion, Nikki Haley’s supporters find themselves in limbo after her campaign suspension. They are conflicted about who to support in the general election, with many expressing concerns about both Trump and Biden. While some remain loyal to Haley and refuse to vote for her opponent, others are considering alternative candidates or parties. The future of Haley’s supporters and their impact on the general election remains uncertain.
