South Carolina Senator Tim Scott will likely endorse Donald Trump at a Friday evening rally in New Hampshire, prompting further running mate rumors. Scott has long been mentioned among lists of potential Trump running mates.
His endorsement comes as a blow to Nikki Haley of South Carolina who had hoped for an impressive showing at next week’s primary.
Why Sen. Tim Scott Endorsing Trump
Tim Scott became the second Republican senator-elect-turned-president to endorse Trump, at a Friday rally in New Hampshire. This decision is seen by many as a blow against South Carolina Republican Nikki Haley who hopes for strong showing in her primary on Jan 23rd.
Scott made no mention of Haley during his moment on stage with Trump in Concord, although he appeared to point toward the crowd and nearly bang his fist several times against the podium.
Tim Scott held onto his endorsement decision as tightly as he could during his campaign, hoping that strong performance in debates would resurrect his candidacy, yet was never able to meet polling and donor thresholds needed for qualification for the fourth GOP debate. Furman University political science professor Brent Nelson believes it may have caused problems for him with making the final roster of debate participants.
The Impact on the New Hampshire Primary
Trump will see an enormous advantage going into next week’s New Hampshire primary, while Nikki Haley loses support from Scott who helped her get elected governor back in 2012. This development marks a blow against Haley who had hoped that her campaign could get his backing in New Hampshire, and sets off an early challenger against Trump in New Hampshire itself.
Scott, who ran for president himself until May before dropping it six months later, now believes the party must rally around Trump and is giving him his endorsement.
Tim Scott joins an increasing list of GOP leaders who have either endorsed Donald Trump, are considering running under him, or have spoken highly of him despite previously supporting other candidates in the Republican race. All three may form part of a campaign designed to revive and win back voters alienated by 2016, including New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem who have spoken highly of him while still supporting other candidates within their party.
The Impact on the South Carolina Primary
As South Carolina prepares to vote in its primary on February 15th, Scott’s endorsement of Trump is sure to further fuel running mate speculation. One of the more prominent black Republicans, Senator Scott has often been mentioned as someone Trump could choose as his running mate should he win the nomination.
Tim Scott’s endorsement could also benefit Trump in New Hampshire. The Feb. 24 primary is an essential test in the GOP nomination contest and polls show he is ahead there. On the other hand, Scott’s announcement could harm Nikki Haley who is depending heavily on a strong showing in New Hampshire to keep her presidential dreams alive.
South Carolina will also serve as a crucial test case for Democrats trying to prove they can attract nonwhite voters, such as former Vice President Joe Biden and progressive candidates Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar. South Carolina is one of five Southern states holding primaries this month, and its winner could end up holding significant delegate dominance heading into Super Tuesday.
The Impact on the Race for Vice President
South Carolina’s only Black senator, Tim Scott, has joined Donald Trump’s list of former Republican presidential rivals who now endorse him. Scott made this announcement Friday evening during a rally hosted by Trump himself in Concord – it comes as an unexpected setback for fellow South Carolinian and Trump rival Nikki Haley who has staked her campaign success on doing well there.
Tim Scott could also become the running mate if Donald Trump wins the nomination, according to Furman University political science professor Brent Nelson. Nelson notes Scott has many advantages as vice presidential pick, including strong evangelical support and not being attacked as often by Trump as other rivals have been; although this could change as the race heats up; already Trump has praised Scott for his Senate leadership and has worked on building up his profile with Trump’s base.
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