Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is coming to Pennsylvania to campaign for Senate candidate Dave McCormick.
Haley and McCormick will appear together at a rally in Montgomery County on Wednesday afternoon.
“To actually have Nikki Haley in person, where she can tell you firsthand who she’s supporting, will be an important gift for Dave McCormick,” Pennsylvania Republican strategist Vince Galko told DVJournal.
It’s not known how long McCormick has sought Haley’s involvement. Sources told Politico last week that McCormick and the former South Carolina governor would team up in the Pittsburgh suburbs. DVJournal has confirmed that an event is in the works and will soon be announced.
But appearing in the Delaware Valley makes more sense to analysts due to her performance in the state’s presidential primary on April 23. She received more than 150,000 votes in the primary, despite having dropped out of the race in early March.
“It’s the right place to send her, for sure,” wrote Christopher Nicholas of Eagle Consulting Group in a text to DVJournal.
Dave McCormick with GOP U.S. Sens. Todd Young (Ind.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), and Roger Marshall (Kan.).
McCormick previously received support from Donald Trump, and the pair have appeared at several rallies together throughout the 2024 campaign. Trump will visit Delaware County on Tuesday.
McCormick has also hosted events featuring GOP Sens. Roger Marshall (Kan.), Todd Young (Ind.), and Joni Ernst (Iowa).
But Haley’s decision to come to the Keystone State to stump for McCormick adds a new wrinkle into an already expensive – and extremely competitive – Senate race.
McCormick, the former CEO of Bridgewater Associates, went from being 9 points down in polls taken last month to being essentially tied one week before Election Day.
Political strategists credited McCormick’s determination and his willingness to adjust his campaign when necessary. Galko praised McCormick for running a “slow and steady” campaign that maintained focus as the calendar shifted from summer to fall.
“Voters are paying attention to the race, now,” he said.
The presidential contest between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris also played a factor. After Democrats rejoiced that Harris replaced Joe Biden at the top of their ticket, voter surveys show now Trump ahead of Harris by half a point.
The polls caused enough angst among Pennsylvania Democratic circles that Casey released an ad touting his ‘independence’ and his willingness to work with Trump.
“He wouldn’t be doing that if his numbers weren’t showing that needed to do that, you know,” quipped Galko.
Democrats sent reinforcements to Philadelphia to boost the campaigns of Harris and Casey.
Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) with Pa. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) and singer John Legend.
Casey, who seeks a fourth term in office, spent the weekend campaigning in Philadelphia with singer John Legend and Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.). Legend and fellow singer Bruce Springsteen along with Barack Obama rallied for Harris on Monday at Temple University.
Does that mean Haley’s appearance for McCormick is all in vain?
Not so, said Jeff Jubelirer of Bellevue Communications Group.
“It may have been beneficial without as much ‘competition’ in the region for attention, but it is still helpful for his campaign,” Jubelirer told DVJournal.
He said the McCormick-Haley team-up will attack different parts of the Republican coalition. “Some Never Trumpers support her and McCormick.”
Nicholas agreed. He said right of center voters who were hesitant about McCormick will now reassess his candidacy.
At the same time, public affairs guru Larry Ceisler suggested Haley was working with the wrong GOPer.
“I think a Haley voter is inclined to be with McCormick. She could help Trump more,” he said.
There are rumors that Trump and Haley could make a joint campaign appearance—perhaps on Fox News—before Election Day, although nothing has been set in stone.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania will continue to see and hear a slew of political advertisements. Democrats and Republicans and affiliated PACs have spent almost $469 million in ad money since mid-July, according to Ad Impact. Democrats are expected to outspend the GOP in Pennsylvania by $24.9 million. However, Republicans have spent $9 million more on ads since the start of October.
