Trump's early organizing across the South is paying off as he faces off against Nikki Haley

• The Trump campaign shrewdly worked to gain the backing of top Republicans early in the 2024 race.
• Before other GOP candidates had entered the primary, Trump was already working to cultivate support.
• Those early moves benefited Trump, as he now boasts strong institutional backing over Nikki Haley.

Last January, former President Donald Trump headlined a campaign event at the South Carolina State House, with the former president already eyeing the state's critical primary even before any major competitor had entered the GOP presidential race.