DES MOINES, Iowa — Nikki Haley is gaining traction in Iowa as she jumps to tie for second place in a recent Des Moines Register/NBC News/ Mediacom Iowa Poll.
Former President Donald Trump continues to lead among Iowa Republicans, with 43% of likely Republican caucusgoers picking him as their first choice for president.
However, Haley jumped 10% in polling since the last Iowa Poll. 16% of likely Republican caucusgoers chose her as their first choice for president. These numbers bring her in lockstep with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: The two are now tied for second place.
"[Haley] has done very well, hasn't made any significant mistakes, and doesn't talk much about Donald Trump, which I think really has benefited her," said Karen Kedrowski, director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women in Politics.
Ken Farnaso, press secretary for the Haley campaign, provided Local 5 with a statement regarding the recent poll, saying in part, "Nikki Haley is now second in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Time to start talking about a two-person race, one man and one woman."
Kedrowski believes that Haley is able to use her role as a woman within the Republican party to set herself apart from other candidates, particularly on the issue of abortion. While Haley remains staunchly anti-abortion, Kedrowski says she is willing to use compromise to her advantage.
"She's also talking about compromise and compromise is something that is really kind of gendered female, and it kind of bucks the current Republican tradition which really sees compromise as sort of backing away from one's principal," Kedrowski said.
Kedrowski also says Haley literally stands out by wearing a vibrant color next to the men on the debate stage. However, at the end of the day, her campaign and messages remain largely the same.