The former United States ambassador to the United Nations, who is targeting a 2024 White House bid, is expected to be the special guest at the second annual “Feenstra Family Picnic” in Sioux Center, hosted by Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA). Last year’s headliner was former Vice President Mike Pence.
“I’m excited to welcome Ambassador Nikki Haley to Iowa for my second annual Feenstra Family Picnic,” Feenstra said in a statement issued Tuesday. “From standing up to China to promoting our American values, she served our country with integrity and vision both at home and abroad. I am grateful for her work on behalf of Iowa and our country.”
WATCH: SPEAKER JOHNSON CALLS ON COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT TO RESIGN
Feenstra represents northwestern Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, whose voters are often influential in the state’s presidential nominating caucuses.
The election begins the GOP White House primary every four years, and Feenstra is emerging as a power broker for Republican presidential contenders who want to establish a relationship with his constituents.
A CRYING SHAME: PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTS FORCE USC TO CANCEL PRIMARY GRADUATION EVENT
“Randy Feenstra is a bold, Conservative voice for rural America and hardworking Iowa families,” Haley said in a statement.
WATCH GREAT ANALYSIS: THE ABSURDITY OF ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS
Haley, 50, was governor of South Carolina for six years before taking a job in the administration of former President Donald Trump.
She has made multiple stops in Iowa since resigning as U.N. ambassador. She is active on the Republican fundraising circuit and on behalf of GOP candidates running in the midterm elections as she lays the foundation for a presidential campaign.
REPUBLICAN SENATORS EXPOSE DARK SIDE OF 'FOOD DELIVERY' ECONOMICS
Other Republican alumni of the Trump Administration interested in running for President, including Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have declined to make such a public pledge.
Trump has teased another bid for the White House, and his candidacy has the potential to freeze out other contenders. Trump’s hold on the state was visible during a large rally he hosted at the Iowa State Fairgrounds last October. Nevertheless, Iowa Republicans say they want to hear from alternatives.
MSNBC'S CHRIS HAYES DELETED TWEET SPARKS A SH*T SHOW
Haley has previously said she would not bid for President if Trump again seeks the nomination, but she was less definitive in an October 2021 interview with the Wall Street Journal.
“In the beginning of 2023, should I decide that there’s a place for me, should I decide that there’s a reason to move, I would pick up the phone and meet with the President,” she told the Journal. “I would talk to him and see what his plans are. I would tell him about my plans. We would work on it together.”
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
