Haley wins backing from ex-governor Hogan
DES MOINES — Squelching speculation of a third-party presidential run, former Maryland governor Larry Hogan on Sunday endorsed Nikki Haley for the GOP nomination, saying he feels she “is the strongest chance” for Republicans to win in November.
Hogan told CNN’s “State of the Union” he thinks “it’s pretty clear” that former president Trump will win Monday’s Iowa caucuses,” but that Haley “has all of the momentum” to make her a strong nominee.
Hogan, one of his party’s fiercest Trump critics, had fueled speculation that he was preparing for his own third-party bid when he stepped down from the leadership of No Labels. A resignation letter dated Dec. 15 offered no criticism of the group, and Hogan declined to comment after the letter was obtained earlier this month.
On Sunday, Hogan said he hadn’t meant to stoke rumors that he was planning his own run when he left the group, saying that he was focused on GOP efforts “to nominate the strongest possible Republican we can.”
“It kind of created a whole lot of speculation,” Hogan said. “I didn’t mean to do that. My position on No Labels has not changed.”
No Labels is seeking ballot access across the country as it lays the groundwork for a possible presidential ticket. The plans have spooked many Democrats and other Trump critics who fear it would siphon votes that would otherwise go to Democratic President Biden and facilitate Trump’s return to the White House.
Trump won his own endorsement Sunday. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum endorsed Trump’s bid, a month after he ended his campaign for the Republican nomination.
Burgum appeared on stage with the former president at a rally in Indianola, Iowa, where he heaped praise for Trump.
“I’ve had an opportunity to have a front-row seat,” Burgum said. "I’ve seen President Trump and what he’s been able to do. I’ve seen it as a business leader and I’ve seen it as a governor.
I’ve seen the difference that President Trump can make.”
The support from Burgum, who did not build a substantial base in his presidential campaign, is unlikely to make a difference in the Monday caucuses, which polls indicate Trump is likely to dominate. But it reflects the sense of inevitability surrounding Trump's candidacy as his remaining rivals try to build their movement against him.