Former Governor Haley backs longtime ally Ralph Norman’s gubernatorial bid

(WCIV) — Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley voiced her support Tuesday morning for Ralph Norman’s gubernatorial campaign.

FILE – Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks in Washington, May 22, 2024. Haley is releasing the delegates she won during this year’s Republican primary so that they’re free to support Donald Trump at next week’s convention. Haley on Tuesday, July 9, opted to release her 97 delegates won across a dozen primaries and caucuses earlier this year. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)

Norman, who currently represents South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District, did not hold back in criticizing what he called the “crooks” in the Statehouse, accusing lawmakers of voting to give themselves a pay raise “paid for with your taxpayer dollars.”

In his campaign advertisement, Norman also blasted current state leaders for failing to address deteriorating roadways and for allowing state spending to rise by 45%, money he says was “wasted on garbage.”

Haley, who served two terms as South Carolina’s governor from 2011 to 2016, seemingly endorsed Norman’s campaign early Tuesday morning, saying he will “bring some much-needed light to the Statehouse.”

Ralph Norman will bring some much needed sunlight to the Statehouse.

No more backroom deals. No more politicians taking care of themselves while taxpayers are left in the dark.@RalphNorman will clean up Columbia, fight for term limits, and he’ll never forget who he works for… https://t.co/Inf5anLCZQ

— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) March 24, 2026

Norman and Haley’s political alliance is not new. During the 2024 presidential race, Norman was the only member of Congress to publicly endorse Haley over Donald Trump during the 2024 Republican presidential primary.