South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has said he has no plans to be Donald Trump’s running mate this year. Mr. Scott enthusiastically endorsed Trump at a recent rally in New Hampshire, stating, “We need a President who will close our border.”
Some media reports suggest that Trump and Scott were in talks behind closed doors, and planned for the Senator to formally endorse the former President when the contest came down to Trump vs. Scott’s fellow South Carolinian, Nikki Haley. Reports also suggest that Haley had hoped to secure Mr. Scott’s support amid rumors that Republicans in the Pelican State will turn against her as its primary election gets closer.
Mr. Scott’s endorsement came just days before the New Hampshire primary, where Haley was polling well but lost out to Trump by 54.5% to 43.2%. The Democrat primary ended with President Biden in front at 53%, Dean Phillips at 19%, and Marianne Williamson at 4.7%.
Undeterred by her loss to Trump, Ms. Haley said she would continue to march forward. She told a cheering crowd of supporters that New Hampshire is the first in the nation, not the last, and so there is everything to fight for. “There are dozens of states left to go. And the next one is my sweet state of South Carolina,” she said.
Polls, however, suggest that Trump will comfortably beat Haley in her home state. Following the former President’s decisive victory in Iowa, experienced pollster Tony Fabrizio reported that the Palmetto State is firmly behind Trump. Results showed 64% backing Mr. Trump and only 25% with former Governor Haley.
Several former candidates have thrown their weight behind Trump, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who withdrew after the Iowa caucuses. DeSantis said he could see no way to victory, and it was clear that the GOP wanted to give Donald Trump another chance. After dropping out of the race, Vivek Ramaswamy also publicly endorsed the former President.
