INDIAN-AMERICAN Nikki Haley was on Wednesday (November 5) re-elected to a second term as South Carolina's Governor after registering a convincing win over her nearest Democratic rival, raising her profile in the Republican party.
The 42-year-old daughter of Indian immigrants was declared elected with an impressive 57.8 per cent of the votes, with her rival Vincent Sheheen trailing behind with less than 40 per cent of the votes.
She is only the second Indian-American governor in the United States, the other being fellow Republican Bobby Jindal of Louisiana.
Haley, South Carolina's first minority and first female governor, already is a familiar figure. The victory has raised her profile in the Republican party at the national level.
During the election campaign, top Republican leaders, including the former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and the Governors of Louisiana and New Jersey -Jindal and Chris Christie – respectively, had canvassed for her.
Haley is considered one of the most popular governors in the US. She raised more than $8m in her re-election campaign as against $3.5m by her rival Sheheen.
Haley will visit India later this month leading a high-powered South Carolina trade delegation.
