Campaign Almanac: Nikki Haley among headliners at Ernst’s Iowa ‘Roast and Ride’

Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and former governor of South Carolina, will be among the 2024 Republican presidential candidates headlining Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s annual “Roast and Ride” fundraiser on June 3.

Ernst announced Haley’s planned appearance on Twitter, calling her “a true conservative champion” with a “vision for a strong and proud America.”

Every potential Republican challenger in the primary has been invited to the event, according to NBC News, but Haley is the first to say she’ll be attending.

The Roast and Ride is an annual fundraiser involving a motorcycle ride, hog roast and rally.

The event, which Ernst launched in 2015, has featured some of the biggest names in Iowa and national politics, including former President Donald Trump.

Seven GOP candidates who ran for president in 2016 attended Ernst’s Roast and Ride in 2015, including former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who rode a Harley on the way to Boone in the ride part of the event.

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Ernst also has hosted one-on-one events with many of the presidential aspirants, including Haley.

Haley has aggressively barnstormed the early presidential nominating state since debuting her campaign in February. She's attended dozens of events in Iowa, and the Roast and Ride will be her second with Ernst.

The event is scheduled for June 3 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Tickets and more information are available at https://bit.ly/3UdYqv1.

Ernst announced last month proceeds from the annual motorcycle ride and political fundraiser will be donated to the Freedom Foundation, a Cedar Rapids veterans service and support organization.

“As a military family, we know how important it is to take care of our veterans on and off the battlefield,” Haley tweeted, adding “We’re looking forward to joining @JoniErnst in Des Moines for her annual Roast and Ride benefiting Iowa’s Freedom Foundation!”

Trump announces speakers for Des Moines rally

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Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced speakers for his Saturday rally in Des Moines.

Trump will rally supporters at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park in Des Moines. It marks his second visit to Iowa since launching his 2024 campaign, marking his third bid for the White House.

Doors to Trump’s rally in the park open at 2 p.m. . The program begins at 4 p.m. and Trump is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at donaldjtrump.com/events.

Speakers include state Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, a senior adviser to Trump’s campaign; former Iowa U.S. Rep. Rod Blum of Dubuque; former acting U.S. Attorney General Matt Whitaker, who was appointed by Trump and played tight end on the University of Iowa football team in the early-1990s; and state Sen. Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale.