• Brett Meiselas – 15 hours ago

The Haley Voters for Harris PAC has issued a public response to a cease and desist letter reportedly sent by a law firm representing Ambassador Nikki Haley. The letter demands that the group stop using Haley’s name, image, or likeness, asserting that such use implies her support for Vice President Kamala Harris, which Haley has explicitly denied.

In a press statement, the PAC acknowledged the press reports about the legal threat and promised to review the letter with their legal counsel upon receipt. They emphasized their mission to rally former Haley supporters around Harris, highlighting their independence from Haley’s official campaign. “Our rights to engage with voters and encourage them to vote for Vice President Harris – who in our view is the clear better choice for the country – will not be suppressed,” the statement declared.

The backdrop of this dispute traces back to Haley’s own presidential bid. After launching her campaign in February of last year, Haley became the first major Republican to challenge Donald Trump. Despite dropping out in early March, Haley continued to garner significant support in subsequent primaries, with up to 20% of the vote in some cases. Haley voters frequently told exit pollsters that they would never vote for Donald Trump, and many stated they would vote for the Democratic nominee. Despite Haley’s fervent opposition to Trump during the primary race and her frequent comments stating that Trump is a threat to the nation and unfit to lead, she endorsed Trump in a speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week.

The Haley Voters for Harris PAC, previously Haley Voters for Biden, a coalition of former Haley voters, swiftly pivoted to support Harris following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race and endorsement of his vice president. They clarified their lack of affiliation with Haley or her political committees and their intent to reach voters disillusioned with Trump. “We do not claim to represent Ambassador Haley or her views,” the group reiterated in their statement.

The legal letter from Haley’s campaign, shared with Fox News, accuses the PAC of unauthorized use of Haley’s name and likeness and threatens to involve investigative authorities if fundraising continues under the current name. Despite these threats, the PAC remains resolute in its mission to support Harris, underscoring the clear distinction between their advocacy and any implied endorsement from Haley.

What has been clear with those paying attention to the political landscape over the past election cycle is that many these Nikki Haley voters were never die-hard supporters of Haley. Rather, their votes for Haley were a conduit to show their firm opposition to Donald Trump and the MAGA wing that has taken over the Republican Party. Now, with the election just over 100 days away, these voters are intent on making their voices heard.