Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is set to speak to attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Friday afternoon, marking her first appearance at the annual conservative conference since the former U.N. ambassador announced her presidential campaign last month.
The conference also marks the first time Haley will appear at the same event as former President Donald Trump since launching her White House bid, giving her the opportunity to pitch her opposing candidacy and setting the stage for the pair to give dueling addresses despite once working together under the same administration.
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All eyes will be on Haley as she addresses supporters. People will be listening to see if she'll mention her former boss in her remarks. Haley has not focused attacks on Trump in the first few weeks of her campaign. She has mainly targeted President Joe Biden, calling for a "new generation" of leadership.
Haley's speech will allow her to boost her standing and national recognition after weeks of trailing Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in the polls. DeSantis has not indicated whether he plans to launch a White House bid, but the Florida governor is considered to be a top contender should he run.
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However, Haley has experienced a surge in support since announcing her candidacy. Support among Republicans has doubled in the first week of her campaign. Some 6% of Republican voters back Haley, up from the 3% number from the same pollster a week prior, according to a February Morning Consult survey.
Haley's popularity especially exploded among Republican voters as she soared to a 62% favorability rate, up from 17% before her campaign launch, the poll found. Trump continues to lead the field of possible GOP contenders, garnering 50% support, followed by DeSantis at 30%.