South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley endorsed Marco Rubio for president, NBC News has confirmed.
Her endorsement gives Rubio the backing of three of the state's most prominent, and popular, elected officials — Rep. Trey Gowdy and Sen. Tim Scott, both beloved figures in South Carolina, previously endorsed him. Haley will appear alongside Rubio at his Chapin, S.C. town hall Wednesday night.
Haley's endorsement, first reported by the Charleston Post and Courier, was heavily courted ahead of Saturday's GOP primary in the Palmetto State. It's a particular blow to the more establishment-minded candidates in the race, and Gov. Jeb Bush told reporters on Wednesday that he was "disappointed" he didn't get her backing.
