Sarah Anderson
Nov 28, 2023 - 01:05

Nikki Haley campaign strategy: fewer events than competitors

Vivek Ramaswamy has held the most public events in the 2024 GOP primary, but he's not the one climbing in the polls.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has been the most active in holding public events in the 2024 GOP primary, according to an analysis by NBC News. Despite this, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley has been gaining ground in the polls, particularly in early-voting states where she has pulled into second place in many surveys.

NBC News examined the number of public campaign events each GOP presidential candidate has held so far this primary season, tracking their travel across the U.S. and the number of events they've hosted. Ramaswamy leads the pack with 197 events held across 14 states and Washington, D.C. since May 23, closely followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis with 185 events across 17 states and D.C.

Haley, on the other hand, has held 72 events since May 23, putting her behind North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who has held 77 events. Despite this, she has been climbing in the polls and is now benefitting from campaign and super PAC advertising in Iowa and elsewhere.

It's evident that the sheer number of events held doesn't necessarily translate to support, as former President Donald Trump is currently leading in GOP primary polls despite holding only 58 campaign events across 15 states and D.C. Trump and Haley both have other assets and advantages that contribute to their popularity.

Haley's lighter event schedule has allowed her to build up more funds this summer, as campaigning in person can be expensive. With less than 50 days until the Iowa caucuses, and less than 60 until the New Hampshire primary, most candidates are continuing to push in those crucial states, with DeSantis leading the number of events in Iowa at 108.

Ramaswamy is likely to surpass DeSantis in Iowa by the end of the week, with numerous events scheduled across the Hawkeye State over the next few days. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is the only GOP presidential candidate who has not held any events in Iowa.

In New Hampshire, Ramaswamy also leads with 59 total events, followed by Christie with 36 events, and DeSantis with 34. The analysis by NBC News sheds light on the campaign strategies and activities of the GOP presidential candidates as they continue to compete for support and momentum in the 2024 primary race.