Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley Faces Resistance from State Conservatives as Presidential Campaign Struggles to Reconnect

In South Carolina, Nikki Haley's return to state politics ahead of the primary is met with skepticism from conservative activists who feel she has neglected them. Despite her past support, Haley's presidential campaign has failed to engage with state party activists, leading to a significant disconnect with her former base. The shift in political sentiment has seen her trailing Donald Trump by a large margin in recent polls. Despite her conservative track record as governor, she faces challenges in regaining the support of grassroots Republicans. However, her campaign is making efforts to reach out to a broader spectrum of voters in the upcoming primary, aiming to increase voter participation beyond traditional Republicans.