The husband of Nikki Haley, the Republican presidential candidate and former South Carolina governor, is preparing to deploy to Africa with the Army National Guard, a military tour expected to last a year and for most of the Republican primary race.
The deployment of National Guard Maj. Michael Haley was confirmed 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 role overseas, was first reported by The Associated Press.
It will overlap with much of the Republican nomination contest, which has accelerated in recent weeks as more candidates join the field. The first contests are scheduled for early next year.
“Our family, like all military families, is prepared to make personal sacrifices when our loved one answers the call,” Ms. Haley said in a statement Friday. “We couldn’t be more proud of Michael and his military brothers and sisters. Their commitment to protecting our freedom is a reminder of how lucky 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 called this spring for the officers to go to Africa, stepped forward, the person who knew his plans, without specifying which country or countries in Africa.
Since entering the presidential race in February, Ms. Haley has been significantly behind former President Donald J. Trump in the polls, even in South Carolina, an early primary state.
Ms. Haley, who was ambassador to the United Nations under Mr. Trump has highlighted her foreign policy credentials and experience as governor of South Carolina.
In a break with Mr Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, another rival for the nomination, Ms Haley has defended US involvement in the Ukraine war. Both Mr. Trump as Mr. DeSantis have been critical of it.
