Share this @internewscast.com

Nikki Haley will not be in attendance at this weekend’s Republican Party of Florida “Freedom Summit” — an absence that will cost her campaign $75,000.

A Florida GOP official confirmed to NBC News that Haley told them she will not be in attendance at the Orlando event this Saturday due to family reasons. Those attending the event, which include most major Republican presidential candidates, will have to pay just $25,000 to appear on Florida’s March primary ballot, while those not in attendance will pay $100,000 for ballot access.

Haley’s campaign did not return a request seeking comment.

The absence comes as Haley’s presidential campaign has picked up steam over the past month or so. 

She has been rising into second place in early-state polls, and she turned in well-received performances in the GOP’s first two presidential debates. She was also the only candidate besides former President Donald Trump to get a one-on-one meeting with Republican megadonor Miriam Adelson during last weekend’s Republican Jewish Coalition gathering in Las Vegas, according to the New York Times.

And Haley spent Wednesday campaigning with New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, who said he is “getting closer every day” when she asked if he would endorse her. Sununu has been looking for a Trump alternative, and he did a similar day of campaign events last week with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Haley and DeSantis have been sparring with each other in recent weeks as Haley has gained momentum.

Haley was tied with DeSantis in Iowa at 16% support in the recent NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom survey, but the trend lines were headed in Haley’s direction. A similar poll in August had DeSantis with 19% and Haley with just 6%.

Still, Trump maintained a commanding lead with 43% of likely Iowa caucusgoers backing the former president.

The Florida GOP’s presidential summit kicks off a Florida-focused week on the presidential campaign trail. It comes days ahead of Wednesday’s presidential debate in Miami, an event sponsored by NBC News. Trump, who is not attending the debate, is holding a separate South Florida rally at the same time.

Trump has not attended any of the GOP debates, and has urged the Republican National Committee to not hold anymore because of his lead in public polling.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Version Control: Which ‘Frankenstein’ Should You Watch This Halloween?

Unraveling the Best ‘Frankenstein’ Adaptations for an Unforgettable Halloween Viewing Experience

Remakes, reimaginings, and adaptations have been integral to cinema since its inception.…
Alabama execution: State executes Anthony Boyd with nitrogen gas for 1993 murder of Gregory Huguley over $200 drug debt

Alabama Makes History: First Execution by Nitrogen Gas for 1993 Murder Case

ATMORE, Ala. — An Alabama man, implicated in a 1993 murder involving…
Taylor Swift earns first Songwriters Hall of Fame nomination in debut year of eligibility

Taylor Swift Celebrates Her First Nomination for Songwriters Hall of Fame in First Year of Eligibility

In a groundbreaking move, pop sensation Taylor Swift might soon make history…
Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance denounces driver's license checkpoint plan for Green Cove Springs

Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance Criticizes Proposed Driver’s License Checkpoint Initiative in Green Cove Springs

A proposed driver’s license checkpoint in Green Cove Springs, Florida, has sparked…
President Donald Trump says he's terminating all trade negotiations with Canada over anti-tariff television advertisement campaign

Trump Halts Trade Talks with Canada Following Controversial TV Ad Campaign

WASHINGTON — Late Thursday, President Donald Trump declared the termination of “all…
5 takeaways from the demolition of the White House’s East Wing

Key Insights from the East Wing’s White House Transformation

The iconic East Wing of the White House, a space historically utilized…
Colts cheerleader uses sign language to converse with deaf fan at his first game

Heartwarming Moment: Colts Cheerleader Bridges the Gap with Sign Language at Deaf Fan’s First Game

Colts cheerleader Morgan McLain, who studied American Sign Language (ASL) as a…
Justice Dept. seeks to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia

Breaking: Justice Dept. Moves to Deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia – Here’s What You Need to Know

Washington — The Justice Department announced on Friday that the Trump administration…
FBI opens investigation after driver allegedly rams ICE vehicle during Arizona traffic stop attempt

FBI Investigates After Driver Allegedly Collides with ICE Vehicle in Arizona Traffic Stop

In a startling event on Thursday morning, a vehicle carrying two Immigration…
Eric Adams endorses once bitter rival Andrew Cuomo in New York City's mayoral race

Eric Adams Offers Support to Former Rival Andrew Cuomo in NYC Mayoral Campaign

In an unexpected political maneuver, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has…
Sonya Massey death: Jury shown autopsy photos as testimony continues in murder trial of former Illinois deputy Sean Grayson

Shocking Courtroom Revelations: Autopsy Photos Unveiled in Gruesome Murder Trial of Ex-Illinois Deputy

PEORIA, Ill. — On Thursday, the murder trial of former Sangamon County…
Homeowner arrested after armed clash with teen prankster: report

Homeowner Arrested Following Armed Confrontation with Teen Prankster: Legal Implications and Community Impact

A Florida man’s reaction to a neighborhood prank took a serious turn,…