Republican donors are poised to switch their allegiances from Ron DeSantis to Nikki Haley as they eye up a candidate able to take on frontrunner Donald Trump.

Impressed by her recent campaigning, several donors said they were keen to donate to the former South Carolina governor’s campaign as she was due to debate other candidates on Wednesday night.

It comes as recent polling shows Ms Haley has climbed to third, behind Mr Trump and Mr DeSantis, her highest position yet.

Once seen as the best alternative to the former president, Mr DeSantis’ campaign bid has been hampered by his lacklustre performance and continued attacks by Mr Trump.

Meanwhile, Ms Haley has been gaining in popularity after making a strong general election pitch and took on her opponents on foreign policy, climate and abortion during the first debate.

One Republican donor, who gave more than $1 million to Mr DeSantis, said he has doubts the former Florida governor can win. He is now open to Ms Haley, 51, who is campaigning as a foreign policy hawk.

“Until the first debate I hadn’t seen her force of will and her presence. I absolutely would consider donating to her,” the donor said.

He said his decision to support either Ms Haley or Mr DeSantis would come down to who he thinks is “most capable” of taking on Mr Trump and, eventually, Joe Biden.