Bluffton, South Carolina – Nikki Haley’s return to South Carolina for her first campaign event after Senator Tim Scott’s withdrawal from the race drew a large crowd, with some supporters left outside the venue due to capacity. The event marked Haley’s growing profile in the GOP primary, but also highlighted the challenge she faces in her home state as she seeks to outpace the current frontrunner, Donald Trump.

Despite Haley’s surge in support and fundraising following Scott’s departure, Trump still holds a significant lead in South Carolina. This support has been described as a “committed core constituency” by some Republican donors, but there is speculation that it may not represent the majority of the Republican electorate. Haley’s success in the primary may hinge on whether Trump’s level of support is actually less than what polls have indicated.

Trump has been actively mobilizing supporters in South Carolina, with endorsements from numerous elected officials in the state. His campaign director in South Carolina dismissed Haley’s recent momentum in other early states, stating that she has not been able to make significant headway in Trump’s stronghold.

Haley’s rise in national polling and early states is acknowledged, but it remains to be seen whether her surge will impact Trump’s lead. While some of her supporters at the campaign event expressed strong opposition to Trump, not all of them were down on the former president, indicating that Haley’s strategy of not entirely isolating the pro-Trump wing of the party may be warranted.

As the primary race continues, South Carolina is expected to play a critical role in the GOP nomination. Despite Trump’s overwhelming support in the state, Haley’s recent momentum and growing support will be closely watched as the primary season progresses.