Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley isn't interested in gaining the support of her former rival Chris Christie.
Asked in an interview this week if she expected Christie's support, Haley simply replied, “No.”
“I don't need that,” she told NewsNation, denying her former opponent's relevance in the rapidly shrinking race.
Haley did not ask Christie for support in the 2024 race, but spoke to Christie after a heated mic diss
Former United Nations Ambassador and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks at a campaign event at the James Theater in Iowa City, Iowa, USA, Saturday, January 13, 2024. (Alex Scott/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Haley, who finished behind former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Iowa caucuses, is looking to expand her share of the Republican electorate as the once wide field of candidates narrows to three. want to be.
Christie, who was running for the White House for the second time, withdrew from the race at a town hall event in Windham, New Hampshire, saying, “It's clear tonight that I have no path to the nomination.''
Ms. Christie had previously faced demands from Republicans and some voters to end her campaign to back Ms. Haley as she seeks to close the gap with Mr. Trump.
President Trump says Nikki Haley has 'no chance' ahead of New Hampshire primary: 'Maga isn't going to be with her'
Ahead of Wednesday's announcement, Christie apparently unwittingly overheard Haley say on a microphone that Trump, the front-runner for the nomination, was “going to smoke.” Ta.
“She doesn't mean that,” he added. Christie criticized Haley twice during her speech.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie gestures and speaks during the 4th Republican presidential primary debate at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
After Christie suspended her campaign, Haley posted on social media: “Christie is a longtime friend and I commend him for his hard campaign. Voters have a clear choice in this election. Or the turmoil and drama of the past?” he posted. “A new generation of conservative leadership. I will fight for every vote and together we can build a strong and proud America.”
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In an interview with Fox News in Des Moines, Iowa, last week, Haley expressed her disparaging comments about herself that were caught in a viral microphone moment when she wished Haley well after her campaign was suspended. said he didn't notice it.
Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser and Deirdre Heavey contributed to this report.
