GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley gets endorsement from New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu endorsed Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley on Tuesday, marking an important development in the state’s upcoming primary. Sununu praised Haley’s alignment with Republican values, such as low taxes, limited government, and local control, as well as her understanding of the state’s motto, “Live Free or Die.” He also made it clear that New Hampshire is ready to look to the future, emphasizing that the race for the 2024 nomination is between Haley and former President Donald Trump.

Haley received Sununu’s endorsement during a campaign town hall in Manchester, where she described it as “rock solid.” This development comes as Haley seeks to narrow the wide lead that Trump currently holds in the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race. However, Sununu’s endorsement may face pushback from more conservative and libertarian-leaning factions in the New Hampshire Republican Party.

Haley’s campaign has been active in New Hampshire since she launched her bid earlier this year, and she has invested in a significant television, radio, and digital advertising campaign across the state. Her ads have called for Republicans to move past the chaos of the past, alluding to her critique of Trump’s administration. Despite her efforts, Trump remains the favorite in early polls of likely GOP voters in New Hampshire.

The endorsement by Sununu follows the actions of other state governors who have endorsed different candidates for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race. Sununu’s decision not to enter the race himself earlier this year was partly related to the large field of GOP candidates, which he argued only strengthened Trump’s position.

In the midst of the ongoing competition for the Republican nomination, Haley’s campaign received a formal endorsement from Americans for Prosperity, a significant development in her quest to secure support and resources to challenge Trump.

In terms of historic background, it’s worth noting that New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary has long been a crucial event in the U.S. presidential nomination process, and endorsements from influential state figures like Sununu can have a substantial impact on the outcome of the primary. As the race continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Sununu’s endorsement will shape the dynamics of the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.