Michael Haley: Possible First Gentleman of America

Known as the Military Man, Indian American presidential candidate Nikki Haley’s husband serves in the US Army

With leading Indian American Republican politician Nikki Haley announcing her decision to run for the White House, America once again has the possibility of having a future First Gentleman.

While much has been written in the South Asian community about South Carolina’s former Governor and her Indian roots, little is known about Michael Haley, her husband of 26 years.

Read: Nikki Haley joins 2024 US presidential race (February 14, 2023)

Here’s everything you may want to know about the possibly the future First Gentleman:

Michael Haley serves in the US Army

Michael Haley is a commissioned officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard. He joined the National Guard in 2006. His Linkedin bio describes him as Board Member, entrepreneur, officer in Army National Guard.

He has completed over a year-long tour of duty in Afghanistan as a Captain. He specializes in security cooperation. His unit in Afghanistan, The Agribusiness Development Team, worked with and supported the local farmers in Afghanistan and taught them techniques to grow cash crops to replace opium poppies. Haley worked as a liaison between the military and civilian authorities.

Michael Haley’s early years

When Haley was just three years old he went to a foster home. He was adopted at the age of four by a couple named Bill and Carole Haley. He is originally from Ohio.

Nikki and Michael are college sweethearts

Nikki met Michael Haley as a student at Clemson University. Nikki was all of 17 when she met her future husband who was 19 at that time. Michael Haley graduated from the University of North Carolina and has a degree in business administration and management.

Read: Nikki Haley faces a serious uphill climb: The Hill (February 3, 2023)

William Michael Haley

Michael’s First name is William but he decided to go with his middle name Michael reportedly ay Nikki’s suggestion. Michael and Nikki share a great relationship.

Their bond has been displayed many times when both have spoken about the time they spent apart during Michael’s Afghanistan deployment. The two have said in several interviews that they missed the emotional interaction.

Michael is a Methodist

When the two got married in 1996, they decided to respect both faiths and there were two marriage ceremonies – One Sikh and another Methodist as per Michael’s faith.

Read: Nikki Haley poised to enter 2024 presidential race (February 1, 2023)

First Gentleman of South Carolina

Before Michael, there never had been a first gentleman in South Carolina so he also earned the title of the first ever first gentleman of South Carolina.

Kids Rena and Nalin

The couple have two children – a daughter named Rena and a son named Nalin. While Rena is a pediatric nurse who practices in South Carolina, son Nalin studies at Willanova University.

Read: Who Is Michael Haley, Nikki Haley’s Husband? (February 15, 2023)

Haley is the president of Stand for America

Stand for America is a policy and media organization started by Nikki Haley after she left her position as the US ambassador to the United Nations. Michael is listed as the president of the company and according to reports he worked 40 hours per week at the organization and received no compensation.

Read: Nikki Haley pulls key support from Ron DeSantis (February 9, 2023)

Read: Nikki Haley poised to enter 2024 presidential race (February 1, 2023)

Read: Nikki Haley hints at presidential run in 2024 (January 21, 2023)

Read: Republican Nikki Haley enters 2024 presidential race (February 14, 2023)

Read: Nikki Haley hints at 2024 presidential run (November 22, 2022)

Read: In campaign style speech Nikki Haley touts her role at UN (December 3, 2021)