By Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner | SOURCE: THE GAZETTE
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley‘s third-place finish in the Iowa caucuses on Monday dampened the momentum she had built and provided oxygen for her main rival, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), to continue his 2024 campaign.
Haley headed into the Iowa caucuses polling in second place above DeSantis but far behind former President Donald Trump. But her less rabid fan base and “life-threatening” cold temperatures meant she didn’t emerge from the Hawkeye State as the clear alternative to Trump.
Trump won 51% of the vote, with 99% of the vote counted. He was followed by DeSantis at a distant 21.2% and Haley at 19.1%. The third-place finish likely means that Haley will still have to continue her battle with DeSantis for second-place status in the primary field, which will detract from her campaign against Trump.