Haley raises $500K in 24 hours post-DeSantis exit

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign said Monday it had raised more than $500,000 in the 24 hours after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) dropped out of the presidential race. 

The development comes just one day before the New Hampshire primary where Haley is looking to take on former President Trump one-on-one. New Hampshire has proven to be somewhat fertile ground for Haley, where she has been able to narrow the gap with the former president compared to other states. 

However, Haley still has an uphill road to climb in the primary, according to polls. The Hill’s Decision Desk HQ average shows Haley trailing Trump 47.6 percent to 35.9 percent in New Hampshire.

Haley allies say they are hopeful DeSantis supporters could move into their camp, arguing that DeSantis supporters were looking for a Trump alternative. But polls paint a different picture.

According to a University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll published Sunday, 62 percent of DeSantis supporters said they would support Trump as their second-choice candidate, while only 30 percent of DeSantis supporters said the same about Haley.

But Haley’s campaign is showing no signs of slowing down post New Hampshire. On Saturday, the campaign said it will launch a $4 million ad buy in the Palmetto State a day after the New Hampshire primary. The ad buy will cover all seven of South Carolina’s media markets.