Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley spent $76.4 million in unsuccessful efforts to defeat Donald Trump in the first three Republican primaries of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.
Her lack of success highlights Trump’s strong grassroots support and resources that were diverted from challenging Joe Biden.
Haley spent $8.4 million in South Carolina, $31 million in New Hampshire, and $37 million in Iowa, but only had $15 million cash on hand after losing South Carolina.
Major donors cut off future funding following her New Hampshire loss, believing without that win she had no chance on Super Tuesday.
“Without a New Hampshire win, she doesn’t have the momentum she needed to win South Carolina,” a political megadonor adviser said.
“And without a lane to South Carolina, she has no chance on Super Tuesday,” they said.
The financial setbacks are expected to increase for Haley as momentum and a path to victory in key early states are seen as necessary to remain viable going forward in the primary race.