Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan appeared on CNN's “State of the Union” on Sunday, the day before the Iowa caucuses, to endorse Nikki Haley.
“Who do you want to win tomorrow?” host Jake Tapper asked Hogan, referring to the Iowa caucuses.
Hogan explained that he believes it is clear that former President Donald Trump will win the caucuses. “There's not much hope that anyone will pass him. I don't think it's a big surprise,” he added.
He noted how candidates who won the Iowa Republican caucuses in the past did not become the party's nominee. He insisted that the number two spot was extremely important.
“I'm confident Nikki Haley has momentum,” he told CNN. “She has the potential to be second, but she's far from second.”
Ever since I decided not to run for president, I've said that I don't want to see the kind of multi-car wreck that got Donald Trump elected. We want to have the strongest possible candidate in November. @NikkiHaley. It's time for the party to support her. that way… pic.twitter.com/hivhqLEM4X
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) January 14, 2024
Hogan also noted the candidate's support in New Hampshire and the expected momentum in his home state.
“Was that an endorsement?” Tapper asked the former governor. “Do you want her nominated?”
“We want to have the strongest candidate possible in November. According to the polls, that's Nikki Haley,” he said on the air. “Yes, I think it's time for the party to support Nikki Haley.”
“I believe Nikki Haley is our best chance to field the best possible candidate in November,” he said, referring to former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who withdrew from the race Wednesday. ” he said.
According to a recent Selzer & Company poll, 20% of Republican caucus attendees say Haley is their first choice for president, compared to 48% for Donald Trump. according to Des Moines Register. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is in third place in the polls.
“Detailed data is [Haley] J. Ann Selzer, who conducted the poll, said the results suggest she looks stronger in the polls than she did on caucus night, according to the Des Moines Register. Polls show Haley lacks enthusiasm among voters. (Related: Fox News host Nikki Haley tells all-white “average” Republican voters have no “appetite” for her campaign).
Hogan said on the air that he has chosen not to run in the next election because he “doesn't want to see a multi-car pileup.” He mentioned a number of Republicans who are running against President Trump.
