California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his view on Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, calling her one of the “better surrogates” for Democrats in the 2024 elections. Haley, who emerged as the last remaining GOP primary rival to former President Donald Trump, has been critical of Trump’s candidacy. She has argued that the 77-year-old Trump is too old for another term in the White House and has warned that his leadership could result in chaos, potentially harming Republican chances in the upcoming November elections.
During an interview with CNN host Jake Tapper, Newsom shared his support for Haley’s candidacy in the GOP primary race, emphasizing that he believes her criticisms of Trump are “spot on.” Despite trailing Trump by more than 23 points in the RealClearPolitics average of polls leading up to the South Carolina GOP primary, Newsom expressed hope that Haley performs well in the election.
Acknowledging the challenging odds, Newsom did not deny that Haley faces a slim chance of beating Trump for the party’s nomination. He firmly stated, “Trump’s the nominee. We all know that. You know that. Everybody out there knows that.” Newsom added that there is no evidence or polling suggesting that Haley can win any state in the upcoming Republican primaries.
Newsom clarified that his assessment of Haley’s chances is not intended to be dismissive, expressing respect for the former governor. He wished her good luck in making the case against Donald Trump.
The Haley campaign has actively welcomed support from Democrats who hope that her candidacy will contribute to defeating Trump. A super PAC supporting Haley has sent out mailers to South Carolina Democrats, encouraging them to participate in the Republican primary and vote for Nikki Haley.
Haley’s campaign has also garnered financial support from over 5,200 donors who previously contributed to President Biden’s 2020 White House bid. More than 1,500 of these donors gave over $500,000 in the past month alone, according to Politico.
In a passionate speech, Haley vowed to stay in the race beyond the South Carolina contest, emphasizing that the presidential primaries are just beginning. She declared her intention to continue the campaign at least until the Super Tuesday contests on March 5, where 15 states will hold primary elections.
Despite the challenges and Trump’s clear lead in delegate count, Haley remains committed to her campaign, and the support she receives from Democrats underscores the complex dynamics at play in the 2024 presidential race.
“I think she’s one of our better surrogates, so I hope she stays in [the GOP primary race],” Newsom, 56, told CNN host Jake Tapper, arguing that her criticisms of the former president are “spot on.”
“I hope she does well tomorrow — at least, well enough,” the Golden State governor added, referring to Saturday’s South Carolina GOP primary, where Haley – the state’s former governor – trails Trump by more than 23 points, according to a RealClearPolitics average of polls.
“I’m enjoying this primary. And I hope it continues, so I wish her luck,” Newsom added.
