Ron DeSantis contends that Tim Scott’s endorsement of Donald Trump ‘deals a setback to Nikki Haley.’

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis perceives a recent endorsement for former President Donald Trump as a significant setback for another Republican presidential hopeful, Nikki Haley. Speaking to Fox News at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, DeSantis expressed his intention to return to the Granite State before Tuesday’s presidential primary following a campaign swing in South Carolina.

DeSantis made these remarks shortly after Fox News confirmed that Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina would endorse Trump at a campaign rally in Concord, New Hampshire. DeSantis considered Scott’s endorsement a blow to Nikki Haley, his rival for the Republican nomination.

Both Trump and Haley sought Scott’s endorsement in recent days, with the senator ultimately siding with Trump. Scott’s support is the latest in a series of significant endorsements for Trump in the state, which plays a crucial role in the early stages of the GOP nomination race, following endorsements from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Senator Lindsey Graham.

Haley characterized Scott’s endorsement as disappointing but not surprising, noting the trend of Washington insiders rallying behind Trump. She emphasized the importance of winning the support of the people of New Hampshire.

As the upcoming South Carolina Republican presidential primary on February 24 approaches, where all 50 Republican delegates are at stake, tensions rise between the candidates. Haley criticized DeSantis, labeling him as “invisible” in New Hampshire, while DeSantis argued that Haley’s campaign strategy in the state was excessive.

Despite Trump’s strong performance in the Iowa caucuses, polls in New Hampshire suggest him leading with around 50% support, followed by Haley at a double-digit distance and DeSantis trailing in single digits. DeSantis dismissed the idea of seeking an exit from the 2024 campaign and expressed his focus on the current election cycle, highlighting the need for the Republican Party to regroup after lackluster turnout in Iowa.