Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley has experienced a significant surge in popularity, surpassing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in national polling averages, according to data from FiveThirtyEight (538). This development marks a notable milestone in Haley's presidential campaign, positioning her as a strong contender behind current front-runner and former President Donald Trump.

Nathaniel Rakich of FiveThirtyEight provided an explanation in which he presented a chart showcasing the polling averages of the candidates since early 2023. The numbers demonstrate Haley's rise in popularity, highlighting her campaign's ability to attract 83,900 new donors between October and December alone. Furthermore, she ended the final fundraising quarter of 2023 with an impressive $14.5 million in the bank. Overall, her campaign has received donations from 180,000 individuals since her bid for the White House began, accumulating a total of $50 million across all three campaign committees.

While Trump and DeSantis have not yet released their fundraising totals for the fourth quarter, the elevation of Haley in the national polls signals her growing influence within the Republican Party. This surge in popularity comes amidst endorsements from influential figures within the GOP, including Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota, who declared their support for former President Trump.

With Emmer's endorsement, all top five House Republicans have now thrown their support behind the former president, solidifying his position within the party. The momentum behind Trump and Haley is underscored by a recent social media post from New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. The post featured Sununu and Haley enjoying a beer together in Plymouth, New Hampshire, with Haley donning a sweater emblazoned with "SKI" in large letters, appealing to the interests of the state's skiing enthusiasts.

As the 2024 presidential race continues to unfold, the increasing popularity and endorsements for Haley indicate a shifting landscape within the Republican Party. With Trump's formidable presence and Haley's rising stature, the potential for an intense primary election season looms. All eyes now turn to how the Supreme Court will address the pressure to rule on Trump's removal from primary election ballots in Colorado and Maine, as this decision holds significant implications for the future of the Republican Party and the 2024 presidential race.