Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, intends launching a White House bid on 15 February, according to the Wall Street Journal.
In so doing, she is challenging former President Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
Haley was a critic of Trump before becoming his representative at the U.N. for two years.
Haley disagreed with Trump on the outcome of the 2020 election. She was critical of him during an appearance before the Republican National Committee just after the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021.
Haley said in April 2021 that she wouldn’t embark on a 2024 bid if Trump decided to run again.
In the run-up to her announcement, Ms. Haley repeatedly suggested it was time for a “new generation to lead.”
Trump has told reporters that she had recently talked to him about a possible White House bid and that he had encouraged her to run, while noting her previous claim that she wouldn’t challenge him.
Haley is the daughter of Indian immigrants, which could provide a compelling narrative for a party that has struggled to attract support from non-whites.
No woman has won the presidency, although more than 20 have tried, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.
Trump is the only announced GOP presidential candidate so far.
Other Republicans are believed to be contemplating entering the race, including former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin.
[Photo: picture-alliance/AA/A. Ozdil ]