Vermont governor backs Haley ahead of New Hampshire primary

by Caroline Vakil - 01/19/24 5:28 PM ET

FILE – Vermont Gov. Phil Scott delivers his State of the State address remotely from the Pavilion office building, Jan. 5, 2022, in Montpelier, Vt. Vermont sports fans can now wager online as mobile sports betting launched in the state on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. Gov. Scott says that the regulated marketplace comes with important consumer protections and is expected to bring in up to $7 million in revenue to the state during the first full year. (Glenn Russell/VTDigger via AP, Pool, File)

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) made a last-minute endorsement for former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley ahead of New Hampshire’s GOP primary next week.

“America has a decision to make, and our friends and neighbors in New Hampshire have an opportunity to showcase their deep-rooted independent streak. After years of controversy, violent rhetoric and growing polarization, the very last thing we need is four more years of Donald Trump,” Scott, a Trump critic, said in a statement.

“Our future is in jeopardy, and Americans deserve candidates with character and integrity, who respect the rule of law, the rights of all people, and the Constitution,” Scott continued. “In my view, the Republican Primary is now a two-person race. Governor Haley is our only chance to ensure America has the choice it deserves in November.”

“Whether you’re a Republican or independent, I encourage you to vote for Governor Haley in the Republican Primary. It is my sincere hope that the good people of New Hampshire will send a clear message. This is not the time for Republicans or independents to sit it out. It’s time to move our country forward,” he finished.

It’s not the first time that the Vermont Republican has been at odds with Trump; in 2020, he said he voted for President Biden over the former president.

“President Trump has had four years to unite this country and has failed to do so,” the governor said at the time, according to Seven Days.

Scott’s endorsement comes on the heels of recent news that Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is expected to endorse Trump during a rally in New Hampshire on Friday evening. Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) said on Thursday he would be endorsing Trump as well.

Haley is facing pressure to win New Hampshire against Trump next Tuesday after the former president won the Iowa GOP caucus in a landslide.

A polling average of New Hampshire surveys compiled by Decision Desk HQ and The Hill shows Trump leading Haley by double digits at roughly 46 percent and 35 percent respectively. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sits at 6 percent.

Tags 2024 presidential election New Hampshire primary Nikki Haley Phil Scott Tim Scott Vermont