Announcing this week in the candidature in the US presidential election, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley became the first notable Republican to challenge Donald Trump.
Popular governors, influential senators, former members of his administration, including his former vice president: several Republican Party figures could also challenge Donald Trump in the race for the White House.
Here are the billionaire’s other potential rivals, none of whom have officially entered the race yet:
Ron DeSantis, the rising star of the hard right
At only 44 years old, the candidacy of the governor of Florida, a rising star of the hard right, is one of the most awaited in the Republican ranks. In 2018, he was narrowly elected head of this southern state of the United States after being supported by Donald Trump, whose ideas he shares but not the excesses.
Since then, he has distanced himself and gained popularity by keeping Florida open during the pandemic while multiplying ultra-conservative blows on education or immigration. “For me, the fight has only just begun,” he said in early November after being largely re-elected as head of his state, fueling speculation. However, a formal announcement is not expected before the summer.
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A former judicial naval officer, married and father of three children, this Catholic embodies authority and the traditional family, values dear to his camp. The polls still give Donald Trump a comfortable lead, but the gap is closing between the two men.
Mike Pence, the loyal soldier who changes his tone
After years of unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump, his former Vice President Mike Pence changed his tune after the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
This 63-year-old evangelical Christian, a fierce opponent of abortion, now seems determined to launch himself against the former president. The former radio host thus criss-crosses the country, multiplying the speaking engagements in states likely to make a difference during the Republican primaries.
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Tim Scott, who dreams of becoming the first black Republican president
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, 57, openly dreams of being the first black Republican president. After his re-election in November – with a 26-point lead over his rival – he spoke of his grandfather who had voted for Barack Obama. “I wish he had lived long enough to see another president of color and this time it was a Republican!”
He will first have to challenge Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina, who hopes to become the first president of the United States.
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In a party that has drifted to the right, where white men dominate, the chances of these potential candidates seem limited. But the senator also begins a tour of strategic states on Thursday.
Mike Pompeo and the others
The former head of American diplomacy Mike Pompeo – under the Trump administration – is also among those to whom we lend presidential ambitions. The 59-year-old has just released a book called ‘Never Give an Inch’ and has distanced himself from his former boss.
The names of the governors of Maryland Larry Hogan and New Hampshire Chris Sununu, as well as that of the former governor of New Jersey Chris Christie are also circulating. These moderates, popular with independents, are outspoken critics of Donald Trump.
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