!["You know, Iowa starts it. You know that [New Hampshire voters] correct it... and then my sweet state of South Carolina brings it home," Haley said.](https://media.tegna-media.com/assets/WOI/images/c17bf364-bf63-4b77-96d7-8a6fdd19421c/c17bf364-bf63-4b77-96d7-8a6fdd19421c_1920x1080.jpg)
NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA — Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is under fire from leaders in Iowa after making a comment about Iowa voters during a campaign event in New Hampshire.
"You know, Iowa starts it. You know that [New Hampshire voters] correct it... and then my sweet state of South Carolina brings it home," Haley said, according to ABC reporter Kelsey Walsh.
The Iowa Democratic Party took to X, the site formerly known as Twitter, to bite back at Haley, writing, "It seems like Nikki Haley believes Iowa just picks corn while New Hampshire picks presidents. What a disgusting slap in the face to all Iowans and just one of the many reasons she should never be anywhere near the Oval Office."
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds also indirectly responded to the comment, saying on X, "I trust Iowans to make their own decisions. No 'corrections' needed!"
Reynolds endorsed Haley's closest rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, back in November. Bob Vander Plaats, CEO of The FAMiLY Leader, also endorsed DeSantis. On X, Vander Plaats called Haley's comments "very telling regarding her status in Iowa."
"This admission of getting beat in the Hawkeye state gives Chrystal clear clarity and renewed conviction to Iowans as they Caucus for @RonDeSantis on January 15," Vander Plaats continued.
With the 2024 Iowa Caucus under two weeks away, it's unclear how or if Haley's comments will influence Iowa voters. A recent Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows Haley with 16% support in Iowa, behind DeSantis' 19%.
Haley will appear at Grand View University in Des Moines Thursday for a live CNN town hall at 9 p.m.