On Thursday, First Lady Abby Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson announced their support for Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign and highlighted the growing support for Haley’s candidacy in the state.
The press conference, held at the state Capitol building, was held to announce the full membership of the Nikki Haley for President Utah state leadership team.
According to a press release sent out by the team, it is made up of multiple “Republican heavyweights,” co-chairs and endorsers including Cox, Henderson, state Sen. Mike Mckell and other influential leaders and business owners throughout the state.
Though Haley did not attend the press conference, she was quoted in the team’s press release.
“From skyrocketing inflation to Joe Biden caving to China, Utahns understand what’s at stake in this election,” she said. “Our Utah team is made up of the best the Beehive State has to offer, and I’m incredibly grateful to each of them. We’ve got a country to save!”
Haley is a former governor of South Carolina, former President Donald Trump’s first United Nations ambassador and is now campaigning to be Trump’s rival in the 2024 elections.
Cox said she encourages all Utahns and Americans to vote for Haley because “she sees people, not numbers.”
“As ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley defended American interests,” Cox said. “She brings a steady hand and communicates a clear and honest path forward and never shrinks from principle.”
Henderson added she believes as president, Haley would bring a work ethic to D.C. “that’s been missing for far too long.”
“We’re proud of what she stands for,” she said. “… She gives us hope for the future and I am proud to support her.”
Currently, Haley is trailing Trump in the polls. However, Henderson said Haley is gaining momentum.
“She is proving that she is the leader, the type of leader, that Republicans want, that America wants,” Henderson said.
According to Cox, Gov. Spencer Cox does not publicly support any presidential candidate yet.
Haley’s campaign site lists primary goals including creating jobs and reducing national inflation. This list also includes efforts towards ending abortion, defending second amendment rights, supporting Israel and advocating for human rights.
On Wednesday, Haley faced Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in a debate on CNN at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Trump did not attend the debate and opted for a televised town hall in Des Moines that same evening.
Topics of debate included retirement age, abortion policy and expanding Medicaid.
Currently, Haley and DeSantis are the only two Republican candidates running for the nomination against Trump.
Henderson concluded by saying that “we cannot afford to sleepwalk into our future.”
“It’s time for a new generation of leadership in the White House,” she added. “It’s time for President Nikki Haley.”
l.hanson@dailyutahchronicle.com
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