SC Gov. Nikki Haley Prays That Ted Cruz Beat Donald Trump
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said she prays that Ted Cruz defeats Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination.
Haley, a Republican, told The Post and Courier newspaper this week that although she will likely support the Republican nominee regardless of who it is, she is hoping and praying that Cruz will beat out Trump before that time comes.
"Ask me when the time comes again, but as of now, I strongly believe I will support the Republican nominee," she told the media outlet, adding "the only thing I can say now is my hope and my prayer is that Sen. Cruz can come through this."
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"That's who privately I'm fighting for. I do see a path for him, because I think he's been solid and strong the entire way. I think that he's been disciplined in the way that he's done it," the governor continued, saying she supports the Texas Senator "because we do want a strong leader, we do want somebody that's conservative, we do want somebody that's action-minded. So we'll see what happens."
The Republican governor added that she didn't think a formal endorsement of Cruz was necessary at this time.
"I don't know that I need to formally endorse," she said. "If anybody asks me, that's what I want to see happen."
Haley previously endorsed Florida Senator Marco Rubio in February, saying at the time that she "wanted somebody with fight, I wanted somebody with passion, I wanted somebody who had the conviction to do the right thing, but I wanted somebody humble enough to remember he works for all the people."
Haley's endorsement of Rubio came days before the important South Carolina primary election, which was ultimately won by Trump with 32.5 percent of the votes and Rubio coming in second with 22.5 percent of the votes. Cruz came in third with 22.3 percent of the votes.
Following a loss in Florida earlier this week, Rubio announced that he would be suspending his campaign, saying it was not "God's plan" for him to win the 2016 election.
During his speech, Rubio also shot back against Republican frontrunner Trump, saying he asks that "the American people do not give in to the fear, do not give in to the frustration."
Haley, whose parents are both immigrants from India, has spoken out against Trump before, saying that the politician does not embody the American values of hard work and opportunity for all.
"During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices," Haley said earlier this year in reference to Trump. "We must resist that temptation. No one who is willing to work hard, abide by our laws, and love our traditions should ever feel unwelcome in this country."
The Republican governor also told WIS-TV in February that Trump is "everything a governor doesn't want in a president."
"I want someone who is going to hold Republicans accountable, and I want someone who is going to make a difference, not just for our party but for every person they represent in the country," she added.
Trump is currently leading national polls for the Republican ticket, and recently declared victory in several state primaries, including Florida, Illinois, Missouri, and North Carolina.
Fellow candidate, Governor John Kasich, won his home state of Ohio this past Tuesday.
