Nikki Haley exited the Republican presidential race on Wednesday after Donald Trump won by a landslide on Super Tuesday. The former president is the last major candidate for the 2024 GOP nomination, but he does not have Haley’s support.
Associated Press reports that Haley didn’t endorse Donnie in a speech in her hometown, Charleston, South Carolina. However, Nikki did challenge him to win over her supporters.
“It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the votes of those in our party and beyond it who did not support him. And I hope he does that.”
In addition, she urged the billionaire-turned-politician to unify the people.
“At its best, politics is about bringing people into your cause, not turning them away. And our conservative cause badly needs more people.”
As previously reported, Nikki Haley stated she wouldn’t run as Trump’s VP or on a third-party ticket backed by the group No Table. The former South Carolina governor leaves the race with more recognition that could benefit her in a future political run.
Trump took to social media to mock Haley after her loss but also welcomed her voters to join his team.
“All of the Haley supporters to join the greatest movement in the history of our Nation. BIDEN IS THE ENEMY, HE IS DESTROYING OUR COUNTRY,” he said. “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”
President Biden also welcomed Nikki Haley’s voters on Wednesday and reminded them of Trump’s previous rejection of their support.
“Donald Trump made it clear he doesn’t want Nikki Haley’s supporters. I want to be clear: There is a place for them in my campaign.”
Moreover, The President’s statement acknowledged their political differences and commonalities.
“I know there is a lot we won’t agree on. But on the fundamental issues of preserving American democracy, on standing up for the rule of law, on treating each other with decency and dignity and respect, on preserving NATO and standing up to America’s adversaries, I hope and believe we can find common ground.”
The former U.N. ambassador was Trump’s first formidable opponent when she entered the race in February 2023. Haley warned Republicans that the luxury hotel owner’s convictions and chaotic approach would hinder a presidential win.
Furthermore, his purported vendetta against Biden could turn off voters in the general election, the Associate Press reports.
Haley’s hop out of the race leaves Trump as the likely opponent against Biden come this November.
As previously reported, Nikki Haley stated she would stay in the race until Super Tuesday despite losing several states to Trump. Although she didn’t win the GOP nom, Haley is leaving the 2024 presidential race as the first woman to win a Republican primary contest, making history.
Her withdrawal brings voters one step closer to the presidential race.