In a significant development on Friday, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley received her inaugural presidential endorsement from Republican Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski.
Senator Murkowski, who has been in the upper chamber since 2002, previously hinted at supporting West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin over both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. However, Murkowski officially endorsed Haley just ahead of the Republican caucus in her home state on Super Tuesday, March 5.
Expressing her support, Murkowski stated, “I’m proud to endorse Gov. Nikki Haley. America needs someone with the right values, vigor, and judgment to serve as our next President—and in this race, there is no one better than her. Nikki will be a strong leader and uphold the ideals of the Republican Party while serving as a President for all Americans.”
Haley, who also enjoys backing from Republican Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, expressed gratitude for Murkowski’s support, highlighting her as a trailblazer and a strong, independent voice. Haley emphasized her commitment to restoring fiscal sanity, energy dominance, and limited government, aiming to make Alaskans and all Americans proud.
Former President Trump currently holds support from more than half of the Republican Senate delegation, including influential figures like Senate Minority Whip John Thune, Senate GOP Conference Chairman John Barrasso, and National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman Steve Daines. Trump has also garnered endorsements from House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson and other key figures in the lower chamber’s GOP leadership.
Despite Haley’s persistent efforts, she has yet to secure a victory in the Republican primary against Trump. Her standings in various states, ranging from third place in Iowa to a loss against the “None of These Candidates” option in the Nevada primary, have posed challenges. A Morning Consult survey released on Feb. 7 indicates that Trump leads Haley by a substantial margin in major Super Tuesday states, such as Alabama, California, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Despite growing calls for Haley to withdraw from the race and for Republicans to unite around Trump as the nominee, she remains resolute in her commitment to continue the campaign.
