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Aug 02, 2023

Nikki Haley’s Husband Will Deploy to Africa for Year With National Guard

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Michael Haley, a major in the South Carolina Army National Guard, served in Afghanistan in 2013.

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By Neil Vigdor

The husband of Nikki Haley, the Republican presidential candidate and former governor of South Carolina, is preparing to deploy to Africa with the Army National Guard, a military tour that is expected to last a year and for most of the G.O.P. primary race.

The deployment of Michael Haley, a major in the National Guard, was confirmed on Friday by a person familiar with his plans. The person asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.

The deployment, his second in an active-duty role overseas, was first reported by The Associated Press.

It will overlap with much of the Republican nominating competition, which has picked up speed in recent weeks as more candidates join the field. The first contests are scheduled for early next year.

"Our family, like every military family, is ready to make personal sacrifices when our loved one answers the call," Ms. Haley said in a statement on Friday. "We could not be prouder of Michael and his military brothers and sisters. Their commitment to protecting our freedom is a reminder of how blessed we are to live in America."

In 2013, Major Haley deployed to Afghanistan's Helmand Province with the South Carolina Army National Guard, which he joined in 2006. When the National Guard put out a call this spring for officers to go to Africa, he stepped forward, the person familiar with his plans said, without specifying which country or countries in Africa.

Since entering the presidential race in February, Ms. Haley has significantly trailed behind former President Donald J. Trump in polling, including in South Carolina, an early primary state.

Ms. Haley, who was an ambassador to the United Nations under Mr. Trump, has emphasized her foreign policy credentials and experience as South Carolina's governor.

In a break with Mr. Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, another rival for the nomination, Ms. Haley has defended American involvement in the war in Ukraine. Both Mr. Trump and Mr. DeSantis have been critical of it.

Neil Vigdor covers political news for The Times. @gettinviggy • Facebook

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