The race is (almost) on: Republican Nikki Haley promised a “special announcement” to her supporters on Wednesday, heralding a run for the US presidency on February 15, AFP reports.

“It’s not just a matter of days,” she wrote on Twitter, inviting supporters to rally that day in South Carolina, where she was governor.

If his ambitions are confirmed, the former UN ambassador would become the first high-profile candidate to challenge Donald Trump, who is not yet enjoying the campaign momentum he had hoped for.

In response, Donald Trump posted a video on his social network in which Nikki Haley says she will not run if the Republican billionaire is nominated. “Nikki should follow her heart, not honor,” he wrote with some irony.

The fight for the nomination

In 2017, the former president appointed Haley as his spokesperson at the United Nations.

After two and a half months alone, Donald Trump is gradually noticing that the ranks of his Republican competitors are increasing.

Donald Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence, his former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin… many Republicans are considering a run.

Coincidence of the moment? Hours after Nikki Haley’s announcement, Sen. Tim Scott — also of South Carolina — announced additional trips to key states for the 2024 campaign.

The fight for the Republican nomination promises to be fierce.

Also in the spotlight is Florida governor and rising star Ron DeSantis, but he also hasn’t officially entered the race.