House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) is calling for an end to the race for the Republican presidential nomination and for the party to unite around former President Donald Trump following his victory in the New Hampshire primary.
“Congratulations Celebrating President Trump's decisive victory in tonight's first national primary! ” Johnson said in a release shared via email after the race was called. “The House Republican leadership and a majority of Republican senators support his re-election, and Republican voters in Iowa and New Hampshire are strongly supporting him at the polls.”
The House speaker, who endorsed Trump in November, added: “The time for Republicans to unite around President Trump is past and now we can focus on ending the disastrous Biden presidency and increasing our majority in Congress.” .
His statement came just before the 45th president's only challenger, former Gov. Nikki Haley (R-South Carolina), vowed to move forward with her candidacy while addressing supporters after her defeat. .
#breaking news: Nikki Haley says she won't drop out of 2024 race after New Hampshire loss
“New Hampshire is the first in the nation, but it won't be the last.” […] There are still dozens of states left. Next is my favorite state, South Carolina. ” pic.twitter.com/AEzo8qApva
— Florida Voices (@FLVoiceNews) January 24, 2024
“This race isn't over yet. There are still dozens of states left, but my favorite state, South Carolina, is next,” he said with a smile after the loss. Notably, Nevada will have a say before South Carolina, as President Trump was quick to point out on Truth Social.
“She just lost Nevada. Next up is Nevada!” he I have written.
The Associated Press called off the race just as voting ended at 8 p.m., which was a bad sign for Haley. Immediately after the phone call, Trump had a lead of about 10 points, but the ultimate margin of victory remains to be seen.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Florida), Gov. Doug Burgum (R-North Dakota), Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and conservative radio host They include many of Mr. Trump's former rivals for the Republican nomination, such as Mr. Lally. Elders and businessman Perry Johnson have all supported him since leaving the race.
Notably, Mr. DeSantis and Mr. Ramaswamy suspended their campaigns in support of President Trump following his historic victory in the Iowa caucuses.
