Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley has been climbing in the Republican presidential primary polls, coming in second place in many polls, especially in early voting states. But that’s not because his campaign covered every state.
NBC News looked at the number of public campaign events each Republican presidential candidate has held so far this primary season, tracking where in the U.S. they’ve traveled and how many events they’ve held.
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has been leading the charge, hosting a total of 197 events in 14 states and Washington DC since May 23rd. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is close behind, holding a total of 185 events in 17 states and Washington, D.C.
Ms. Haley took to the stage in Bluffton, South Carolina, on Monday to make her case for president at her 72nd campaign event since May 23, according to a tally by NBC News.
That’s more than North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum’s 77 and Haley’s 72. Former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott, who withdrew from the 2024 presidential race in recent months, have held more events combined than Haley, at 85. 81 and 81 respectively.
It is clear that the raw number of events held does not necessarily translate into support. After all, former President Donald Trump has enjoyed a significant lead in Republican primary polls while holding a total of 58 campaign events in 15 states, and his years of experience leading the Republican Party has led to There are other assets that have been built up.
Haley is no different, gaining attention for her debate performance and now benefiting from campaign and super PAC advertising in states like Iowa. Since in-person campaigning is expensive, Haley was able to raise more money this summer because of her lighter event schedule.
With less than 50 days until the Iowa caucuses and 60 days until the New Hampshire primary, most candidates are campaigning in these important states.
DeSantis currently leads Iowa with 108 events, but with numerous events scheduled across the Hawkeye State in the coming days, Ramaswamy could surpass DeSantis by the end of this week. expensive. DeSantis plans to complete a tour of all 99 counties in Iowa this weekend.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is currently the only Republican presidential candidate not to hold an event in Iowa.
Ramaswamy holds the record for the most events held in New Hampshire, with a total of 59. Christie follows with his 36 and DeSantis with his 34.