In a surprising move that resonated throughout South Carolina’s political landscape, Henry McMaster, then serving as the state’s lieutenant governor, threw his support behind Donald Trump’s presidential bid in a Lexington County barn, not far from the capital. This endorsement, made seven years prior, marked him as the most prominent state official to back Trump’s 2016 campaign, despite being in the political territory of then-Governor Nikki Haley, who had been vocally critical of Trump and had shown her support for Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.
Trump’s victory in the South Carolina primary and subsequent ascent to the presidency saw Haley pivot from a critic to an ally, as she accepted his offer to serve as the United Nations ambassador, which in turn elevated McMaster to the governorship.
Now, as Haley makes a concerted push to position herself as the prime Republican contender against Trump, her campaign is hinging on strong performances in the upcoming Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary. The February 24th primary in South Carolina looms large, potentially serving as a decisive battleground for any candidate looking to challenge Trump’s dominance.
However, the political tides in South Carolina have shifted significantly towards Trump since Haley’s last run for state office, casting doubt on her ability to leverage her local ties for a crucial victory.
Matt Moore, a former chairman of the state GOP, noted the profound changes in South Carolina’s political scene, with many low-frequency voters galvanized by Trump’s campaign, reshaping the state’s political dynamics without necessarily focusing on state-level issues.
Trump’s influence is evidenced by the support he has secured from many of South Carolina’s top Republicans. Senator Lindsey Graham, once a Trump adversary and now a staunch ally, is co-chairing Trump’s state campaign alongside McMaster. Support for Trump extends to the state’s lieutenant governor, attorney general, treasurer, and three out of six Republican U.S. House members. Representative Ralph Norman stands out as a notable supporter of Haley.
The former president’s draw in the state remains strong, with an estimated 50,000 attendees at a July 4th rally, contrasting with Haley’s record-setting turnout of 2,500 people at an event along the state’s southern coast.
Businessman John Reed, who once contributed to Haley’s gubernatorial campaign, has shifted his support to her, citing Trump’s demeanor as too divisive and lauding Haley’s capabilities and experience.
The stakes for Haley are high; a defeat in South Carolina could spell disaster for her presidential campaign. Past candidates, like Rubio and Senator Elizabeth Warren, have seen their campaigns unravel after losing primaries in their home states.
Haley, who once surged to the governorship as an outsider candidate aligned with the “tea party” movement, is now facing the challenge of overcoming Trump’s reshaping of Republican politics, both in South Carolina and nationally. The division within the Lexington County GOP, a stronghold of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” ethos, underscores the deep changes within the party.
Some long-time supporters, like Michael Burgess, who identifies as a staunch Trump critic, now see Haley as the GOP’s best chance to move past Trump’s presidency. Others, like Allen Olsen, who founded a Columbia “tea party” group, feel betrayed by Haley’s previous criticisms of Trump.
Amidst these dynamics, State Representative RJ May views Haley as part of the establishment, contrasting with Trump, who he does not see as an insider, despite Trump’s former presidency and current campaign.
Yet, there remains a contingent in South Carolina eager for Haley’s presidential bid. At a Bluffton event, supporter Veronica Wetzel expressed her readiness to vote for Haley, emphasizing the need for a Republican candidate capable of securing victory in November.
As the political currents continue to shift, South Carolina’s upcoming primary will be a critical test for both Haley’s campaign and the state’s Republican allegiance.
Henry McMaster, then lieutenant governor of South Carolina, surprised many by endorsing Donald Trump for president seven years ago. Nikki Haley, who was critical of Trump and endorsed Marco Rubio, later became UN ambassador, and McMaster took over as governor. With Haley now running for president, she faces a changed political landscape in South Carolina, which has shifted closer to Trump. Despite her previous popularity in the state, almost all major South Carolina Republicans back Trump, with only one congressman endorsing Haley.
Haley’s strategy relies on strong performances in Iowa and New Hampshire before focusing on South Carolina’s February primary, which could be vital for her campaign. Her past as an anti-establishment, conservative governor and alignment with the Tea Party movement once earned her key endorsements, but Trump’s influence has significantly altered the state’s politics. Some former supporters of Haley feel alienated by her previous criticism of Trump, while others believe she is now the establishment figure. Despite this, there are still South Carolinians who support Haley and see her as a viable candidate to win the presidential election.
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