Nikki Haley briefly leaves campaign trail in New Hampshire to see sick father in SC

EXETER, N.H. — Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley took a brief detour from campaigning in New Hampshire Tuesday night to fly back to South Carolina after her father was hospitalized, according to reports.

She was back in New Hampshire by Wednesday to attend a rally, according to ABC News. Her father, Ajit Singh Randhawa, who has cancer, is doing okay, the campaign told the outlet.

Haley's campaign is hoping a strong showing in New Hampshire can help present her as a viable alternative to the frontrunner, former President Donald Trump. Recent polls have showed her narrowing Trump's lead in the Granite state.

More:Nikki Haley wants to hit the ground running in New Hampshire. Will it be enough to defeat Donald Trump?

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide