Sen. Murkowski Gives Support to Nikki Haley

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley received a rare congressional endorsement on Friday from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, making Murkowski the first Republican senator to back Haley over former President Donald Trump, the current front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination.

Murkowski, known for her centrist views, is only the second lawmaker to endorse Haley, following Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C.

“I’m proud to endorse Gov. Nikki Haley,” Murkowski stated, as reported by Washington Examiner.

“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,” added Murkowski. “Nikki will be a strong leader and uphold the ideals of the Republican Party while serving as a President for all Americans.”

The endorsement comes just before the Super Tuesday primaries, where over a third of the GOP delegates will be awarded. However, the impact of the endorsement remains to be seen. Trump currently has 110 delegates compared to Haley’s 20, and Trump holds a 64.9-point lead in the RealClearPolitics polling average for the Republican nomination.

Haley expressed her gratitude for the endorsement, stating, “Sen. Murkowski represents the best of Alaska.” Haley further praised Murkowski as a trailblazer and a strong, independent voice in Washington.

In the past, Murkowski was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump following his impeachment in the House for his involvement in the events of Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol. Trump was ultimately acquitted in a 57-43 vote.

Trump has criticized Murkowski for being a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only), while Murkowski has openly criticized Trump and confirmed that she did not vote for him in the 2020 election. She has also stated that she will not support him in the upcoming election.

In the midterms of 2022, Trump endorsed Kelly Tshibaka, former Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Administration, over Murkowski.