DeSantis’ Exit from Presidential Race Boosts Nikki Haley’s Support Among Anti-Trump Jewish Republicans
Ron DeSantis’ decision to end his presidential campaign has left Nikki Haley as Donald Trump’s only serious challenger, potentially consolidating her support among Jewish voters and donors who seek an alternative to the former president. DeSantis announced his exit on Sunday following his distant second-place finish in Iowa, the first nominating contest in the Republican primaries. This announcement concludes a campaign where the Florida governor was initially seen as the most formidable threat to Trump but saw his support steadily decline as the primaries drew near.
Throughout his campaign, DeSantis maintained positions popular among pro-Israel conservatives and made repeated trips to Israel to showcase his support. He also took on culture-war issues, including abortion, LGBTQ rights, and book bans, which have typically held less significance among Jewish voters. At one point, an aide from his campaign was fired for creating a promotional video that featured a Nazi symbol. However, DeSantis has now thrown his support behind Trump.
On the other hand, Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and Trump’s first ambassador to the United Nations, has close ties to the pro-Israel establishment. She has emerged as a favorite among Jewish and pro-Israel donors who want to avoid a second Trump-Biden matchup in November. According to a Haaretz report last summer, Haley received more support from the leadership of the Republican Jewish Coalition than any other candidate. Numerous prominent Jewish Republicans have also organized fundraisers on her behalf.
Ultimately, the occurrence of these fundraisers will likely depend on the outcome in New Hampshire, where Trump is currently enjoying a double-digit lead in polls. Following his decisive victory in Iowa, Trump declared during his victory speech that he would swiftly resolve the ongoing conflict in Israel if he becomes president, without providing further details.
As we await the next stages of the Republican primaries, it is clear that DeSantis’ withdrawal from the race has propelled Nikki Haley into the spotlight as the primary alternative to Donald Trump. Her strong connections with the pro-Israel establishment and significant support from Jewish voters and donors establish her as a potential force to be reckoned with. With New Hampshire on the horizon, the trajectory of the Republican contest remains uncertain. However, Haley’s rising popularity among anti-Trump Jewish Republicans could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the party’s presidential nomination.
