In a bid to emphasize her record of challenging the "political elite" in South Carolina, Nikki Haley's campaign recently launched a digital ad that showcases her accomplishments during her six-year tenure as governor. The advertisement, featuring remarks made by Haley at her primary night watch party in New Hampshire, asserts that the endorsement of Donald Trump by numerous current and former elected officials in her home state is a direct result of her status as an outsider.

Expressing her determination to break free from the grip of the political establishment, Haley states in the ad, "Every time I've run for office in South Carolina, I've beaten the political establishment. They're lined up against me again. I don't want the political elite; that's not what I'm looking for. And they, honestly, aren't ready for me. Why? Because I keep saying we need to have term limits in Washington."

Haley's campaign argues that Trump's extensive list of endorsements stems from her insistence on holding elected officials accountable through measures such as eliminating voice votes and implementing governmental reforms. Highlighting her stance as the anti-establishment candidate, Haley's spokesperson, AnnMarie Graham-Barnes, asserts, "Nikki Haley is the anti-establishment candidate who will take on the political elites just like she did in South Carolina. This race is far from over, and the American people have a real choice between a Trump-Biden rematch and Nikki's record of conservative results."

Notably, Trump has garnered the support of over 150 prominent South Carolina politicians, including Governor Henry McMaster, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, state Attorney General Alan Wilson, state House Speaker Murrell Smith, as well as Senators Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham, and Representatives Nancy Mace and Jeff Duncan.

The "insider or outsider" narrative is set to intensify as South Carolina's primary on February 24 approaches, particularly as Haley had some strained relationships with other state elected officials during her time as governor. Haley's political career in South Carolina began by defeating a 30-year incumbent in the state House of Representatives. In her first gubernatorial race in 2010, she outperformed the then-lieutenant governor, a congressman, and the then-state Attorney General McMaster in the Republican primary.

Haley's campaign vows to continue framing Trump as the true "establishment" candidate in her home state, despite polls indicating her trailing the former president by nearly 30 percentage points. Trump, on the other hand, has been showcasing his political strength in South Carolina, making a point to invite his key supporters from the Palmetto State on stage during his rallies in New Hampshire. At his recent victory party, Senator Tim Scott was given a prominent position directly behind Trump on stage, with Trump playfully remarking to the senator, "You must really hate her," in reference to Haley.

Meanwhile, the Trump campaign has sought to undermine Haley's anti-establishment image by pointing to her support from Democratic donors and her foreign policy stances, claiming that she is, in fact, the true "establishment" candidate.

As the primary date draws nearer, it remains to be seen how the public sentiment in South Carolina will align with the contrasting narratives presented by both Haley and Trump. The race for the state's support continues, offering voters a choice between an established Trump-Biden rematch and Haley's record of conservative achievements.