REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsMIAMI, Nov 8 (Reuters) - An intensifying rivalry between Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley could dominate Wednesday's Republican debate as the two 2024 U.S. presidential hopefuls seek to present themselves as their party's best alternative to former President Donald Trump.
Haley, 51, in third place nationally, has grown stronger as she seeks to dislodge DeSantis, 45, from his distant second place in the Republican race after Trump.
With the first Republican state nominating contest, in Iowa, little more than two months away, Haley, a former South Carolina governor who also served as Trump's U.N. ambassador, and Florida Governor DeSantis are running out of time.
DESANTIS AT HOME IN FLORIDAThe Florida debate setting offers DeSantis a home advantage over others on stage.
Haley will be coming off two strong debate performances and has been the only Republican besides Trump to show recent momentum in early nominating states such as Iowa and New Hampshire.
Persons:
Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Ronald Reagan, Mike Blake, Donald Trump, Haley, DeSantis, U.N, Florida Governor DeSantis, Trump, Joe Biden, Aaron Kall, ”, Haley’s, Betsy Ankney, Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott, Ramaswamy, James Oliphant, Gram Slatter, Ross Colvin, Howard Goller
Organizations:
South Carolina, Republican, Ronald Reagan Presidential, REUTERS, Rights MIAMI, Wednesday's Republican, Trump, Florida Governor, Democratic, University of Michigan, New, Thomson
Locations:
Florida, Simi Valley , California, U.S, Wednesday's, Miami, Iowa, South Carolina, Hialeah, FLORIDA, Palm Beach, New Hampshire, United States, Iowa , New Hampshire, New Jersey