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
Third US military aircraft carrier arrives in Middle East

Third US Aircraft Carrier Deploys to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions

The United States has increased its naval presence in the Middle East,…
Wild photos show firefighters battling massive 5-alarm fire at historic NYC church

Stunning Photos Capture Heroic Firefighters Tackling Devastating 5-Alarm Blaze at Iconic NYC Church

Striking images have emerged of firefighters valiantly combating an intense 5-alarm blaze…
Iran has 'open window' to negotiate, but 'clock is not on their side,' Pete Hegseth says

Pete Hegseth: Iran Faces Time-Sensitive Opportunity for Diplomatic Negotiations

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recently addressed the potential for negotiations with…
17 charged across New England after massive coordinated street takeover wreaks havoc in suburban Boston town

17 Arrested in New England After Major Street Takeover Disrupts Boston Suburb

Authorities in Massachusetts have apprehended 17 individuals from New England in connection…
What to know if your flight is canceled amid rising jet fuel costs

Essential Tips for Navigating Flight Cancellations as Jet Fuel Prices Climb

Passenger rights differ significantly based on your flight destination. Here’s what you…
US soldier Gannon Ken Van Dyke charged with using intel to win $400K Polymarket bet on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro raid

U.S. Soldier Gannon Ken Van Dyke Indicted for Allegedly Exploiting Intelligence to Secure $400K Polymarket Bet on Raid Targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

In a striking turn of events, a U.S. special forces soldier has…
Three alleged Antifa-linked protesters indicted in Atlanta police training center contractor firebombing

Explosive Charges: Trio with Alleged Antifa Ties Indicted for Atlanta Police Center Firebombing

In a significant legal development, three protesters with alleged affiliations to Antifa…
North Carolina woman charged in alleged Houston synagogue attack plot as investigators search for 2 others

Breaking: North Carolina Woman Arrested in Houston Synagogue Attack Plot as Authorities Hunt for Additional Suspects

A woman from North Carolina has been formally charged in connection with…
Lefty senate candidate Graham Platner argues that US should be 'far more cooperative' with China on climate change issues

Left-Wing Senate Hopeful Graham Platner Advocates for Enhanced US-China Climate Collaboration

Maine Democrat Graham Platner has pledged to enhance relations with China should…
Mexican Mafia turned American neighborhoods into ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ with murders, kidnappings, drugs: feds

Federal Authorities Report Mexican Mafia’s Role in Transforming U.S. Neighborhoods with Crime and Drugs

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, federal authorities announced Thursday the…
Benjamin Netanyahu reveals he was treated for early-stage prostate cancer

Breaking: Benjamin Netanyahu Opens Up About Early-Stage Prostate Cancer Diagnosis – What It Means for His Leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently disclosed that he had received treatment…
Ex-NYPD cop convicted of perjury for lying about circumstances of 2009 Bronx shooting

Former NYPD Officer Found Guilty of Perjury in Controversial 2009 Bronx Shooting Case

A former officer of the NYPD was convicted of perjury on Friday,…