Vermont Gov. Phil Scott endorses Nikki Haley ahead of New Hampshire primary

Vermont Republican Gov. Phil Scott on Friday has endorsed former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley for the Republican presidential nomination.

The New Hampshire Republican primary is scheduled for Tuesday and recent polling suggests Haley could compete with former President Donald Trump for the Granite State. Trump, for his part, is riding high off his decisive win in the Iowa Caucus earlier this 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 said, according to The Hill. "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."

"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," Scott declared. "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."

Though the state leans decidedly to the political left at the national level, consistently backing Democrats for President and sending progressive firebrand Bernie Sanders, I, to the Senate, Vermont often elects Republican governors. Scott entered office in 2017.

Scott's endorsement is not Haley's sole thumbs up from an incumbent governor, however, as New Hampshire GOP Gov. Chris Sununu has thrown his weight behind her presidential bid and has campaigned for her in his own state.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.