Nikki Haley, the prominent American politician and diplomat, has garnered widespread attention for her formidable presence on the national and international stage. As a former Governor of South Carolina and United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Haley's political career has been closely followed by many.
However, behind every successful woman stands a supportive partner, and in Haley's case, that partner is her husband, Michael Haley. While Nikki Haley's accomplishments are widely known, less is often discussed about Michael Haley's background and contributions.
In this article, we delve into the life of Michael Haley, shedding light on his career, relationship with Nikki Haley, and role as a supportive spouse.
Who is Michael Haley?
Michael, a National Guardsman, is now deployed in Djibouti, Africa. His decision to serve during the year-long deployment, which began in June 2023, was voluntary.
Nikki has frequently mentioned her husband's military experience as one of her reasons for running. Despite his support for Nikki's campaigns, Michael has remained relatively anonymous.
The National Guard Major was born in Ohio and adopted as a child. According to his wife's memoir, Michael's biological father was “an alcoholic” who frequently got into trouble with the authorities. His birth parents' home did not have running water or electricity.
Michael and his four siblings were placed in foster care when they were toddlers. At the age of four, Michael was adopted by Bill Haley, a steel mill manager, and Carol Haley, a teacher. Nikki has stated that Michael's experience influenced her anti-abortion political attitude, according to People.
Nikki converted to Christianity for Michael
Nikki's love and dedication to Michael have been unwavering throughout their decades-long partnership. Nikki, who was raised in the Sikh faith, converted to Christianity before marrying Michael.
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In 2010, she informed the New York Times that her baptism took place at St. Andrew by the sea. The couple's wedding ceremony, however, included both Sikh and Christian traditions. Their children had also undergone baptism.
How did Nikki and Michael meet?
Nikki and Michael met at college in 1989 through a mutual friend. According to Nikki's memoir, when she was 17, she told Michael, who was dating another girl at the time, “I don't date people who date other people.”
Although the two struck it off right away, they didn't begin dating until Michael broke up with his then-girlfriend. “I can't say I was heartbroken by the turn of events,” the 52-year-old Republican admits in her book. Nikki and Michael became inseparable after that. They married in 1996 and have two children: Rena, a daughter, and Nalin, a son.
Do Nikki and Michael have kids?
Nikki and Michael welcomed their first child, daughter Rena, on June 8, 1998, two years after they married. Their second child, Nalin, was born on September 6, 2001, in South Carolina.
While neither of her children is interested in continuing her political career, they are both supportive of their mother's race. Rena attended her GOP debates without her father, while Nalin worked on Nikki's campaign.
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In an interview with FOX News' Harris Faulkner, the two children discussed how Michael and Nikki raised them to appreciate their nation while maintaining a sense of normalcy despite their father serving in the National Guard and their mother working in public service.
