Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley Faces Setback in Nevada Primary
Embarrassing Loss
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley’s campaign suffered an embarrassing setback in the Nevada primary, raising questions about her path forward in the Republican nomination fight against frontrunner Donald Trump.
Lopsided Defeat
Haley lost Nevada’s primary even though she was the only candidate listed on the ballot, securing just 31% of the vote compared to the 63% for “none of these candidates,” according to Nevada election officials.
Symbolic Defeat
Although no delegates were at stake in the primary, Trump appears poised to capture all of Nevada’s 26 delegates, further diminishing Haley’s long-term prospects as a candidate.
Managing Expectations
Haley’s team had tried to manage expectations in Nevada, where opinion polls consistently showed her trailing Trump by wide margins.
Focus on South Carolina
Haley has maintained her focus on winning her home state of South Carolina, where polls have shown Trump with a commanding lead ahead of the upcoming primary.
Trump’s Strategy
Trump is seeking to knock Haley out of the race in South Carolina and set his sights on a November general election contest with President Joe Biden.
Legal Troubles for Trump
Trump faces multiple civil and criminal cases, including federal and state charges connected to his efforts to reverse his 2020 election loss. A federal appeals court ruled against Trump’s immunity claim, teeing up an unprecedented criminal trial.
Supreme Court Case
On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments over whether Trump can be barred from Colorado’s ballot over the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol aimed at blocking certification of Biden’s victory.
