Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis are trying to take advantage of Tim Scott’s exit from the Republican presidential field by scooping up his supporters, endorsers and donors in a race that remains dominated by former President Donald Trump. The South Carolina senator announced his exit late Sunday following lackluster performances in three GOP primary debates and single-digit polling in Iowa, where Scott had heavily focused his campaign and nomination voting starts in just two months. An Iowa Poll released late last month showed Scott with the support of 7% of likely participants in the state’s Republican caucuses, while another 10% listed him as their second choice and one in three said they were actively considering him. Haley, the former United Nations ambassador, and DeSantis, the Florida governor, stand to benefit the most from his exit because they have emerged as the leading candidates for GOP voters searching for a Trump alternative. Both have expressed an eagerness for a one-on-one matchup against the former president.

Any path for Haley would require a strong showing in her home state, which will host the fourth nomination contest in late February. Having her fellow South Carolinian out of the mix means Haley, a former governor, wouldn’t have to compete against another local candidate there. DeSantis, who like Scott has placed his heaviest emphasis on Iowa, is expected to appear this weekend at a major event in the state focused on evangelical Christians. Those voters dominate the GOP caucuses and Scott had made them a central focus.

The next debate is scheduled for Dec. 6 in Alabama and it could feature just DeSantis, Haley and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie may still qualify, while Trump has indicated he has no plans to participate in debates because of his polling lead.

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