Nikki Haley drops out of presidential race. Republicans Graham, Timmons react
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Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has dropped out of the 2024 Presidential race.
Haley made the announcement from Charleston Wednesday morning.
"In all likelihood, Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee when our party convention meets in July," she said. "I congratulate him and wish him well. I wish anyone well who would be America's president."
Haley also said she would continue to speak out on issues that mattered to her.
"I said I wanted Americans to have their voices heard," she said. "I have done that. I have no regrets. And although I will no longer be a candidate I will not stop using my voice for the things I believe in."
Haley's campaign was especially meaningful to the many women and girls who supported her historic campaign. "I end my campaign with the same words I began with from the Book of Joshua and I direct them to all Americans but especially to so many of the women and girls out there who put their faith in our campaign," she said. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. For God will be with you wherever you go.
She also mentioned a special moment between herself and her mom. "Just last week my mother, a first-generation immigrant got to vote for her daughter for president. Only in America."
Nikki Haley suspends campaign: Nikki Haley suspends campaign for president, asks Donald Trump to earn her followers' votes
Haley lost the vast majority of the 15 primaries held on Super Tuesday. Haley won Vermont by a 4% margin over Trump and won Washington D.C. decisively on Sunday.
Trump defeated Haley by a 60% to 40% margin in the South Carolina Republican primary on Feb. 24.
I end my campaign with the same words I began it from the Book of Joshua. I direct them to all Americans, but especially to so many of the women and girls out there who put their faith in our campaign.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. For God… pic.twitter.com/XAwgOGzKdy— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) March 6, 2024
Nikki Haley drops out: Nikki Haley to drop out as candidate in 2024 election after disappointing Super Tuesday
Trump reacts to Haley's Super Tuesday defeats
Haley stood as the last Republican challenger to former president Donald Trump, who now sees a clear path to the general election against incumbent Joe Biden.
"Nikki Haley got trounced last night, in record-setting fashion, despite the fact that Democrats, for reasons unknown, are allowed to vote in Vermont, and various other Republican Primaries," Trump wrote on Truth Social this morning.
Sen. Tim Scott urged Haley to drop out last week
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-SC, told the Christian Broadcasting Network last week that "it is past time" for Haley to exit the race.
"Every day that we are distracted by a primary is a day we don't focus on lowering inflation for the average millennial so they can buy a house," Scott told CBN.
Trump previously teased the Palmetto state senator as a possible vice presidential pick at a town hall in Greenville.
William Timmons, Lindsey Graham react on social media
U.S. Representative William Timmons, R-SC, posted this morning on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he hoped Haley would endorse Trump.
Nikki Haley is expected to end her campaign today. I sincerely hope she will endorse President @realDonaldTrump.
The American people have spoken loud and clear—President Trump is our nominee. Now we need unity and 100% focus on defeating Joe Biden in November.
We cannot afford…— William Timmons (@VoteTimmons) March 6, 2024
Haley loses Nevada: After a seismic loss in Nevada, can Nikki Haley's home state boost her campaign?
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, congratulated Trump but said that Haley has "a lot to be proud of."
First, congratulations to President Trump and his team for securing the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
This is an amazing political comeback. I believe President Trump is well-positioned to win the White House in 2024.
Ambassador Haley has a lot to be proud of.…— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 6, 2024
South Carolina Republican Party encourages Haley to endorse Trump
A statement from SCGOP chairman Drew McKissick, posted on X Wednesday morning, urged Haley to sign a letter endorsing Trump.
"It's up to every candidate exiting the race to be a leader and stay true to their word and honor their pledge to our Party and support our nominee in both word and deed," McKissick said in the post.
🚨STATEMENT🚨 Following the suspension of Nikki Haley’s Presidential Campaign, @SCGOP Chairman @DrewMcKissick released the following statement⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SIUDjBw2YX
— South Carolina Republican Party (@SCGOP) March 6, 2024
Haley does not support Donald Trump in speech
Haley did not support former President Trump in her speech but referenced Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to explain her reasoning. "Margaret Thatcher provided some good advice when she said, 'Never just follow the crowd, always make up your own mind.
"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. At its best politics are about bringing people into your cause, not turning them away. And our conservative cause needs more people. This is now his time for choosing."
Chalmers Rogland covers public safety for the Spartanburg Herald-Journal and USA Today Network. Reach him via email at crogland@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Nikki Haley drops out of race, SC Republicans react on social media
