Haley nabs Senate endorsements from Murkowski, Collins

Nikki Haley landed her first Senate endorsement of the presidential cycle: moderate Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).

But Maine Sen. Susan Collins wasn't far behind.

Murkowski's endorsement comes ahead of Alaska's Tuesday presidential caucus and as the former governor and ambassador has lost all contests thus far to former President Donald Trump.

"America needs someone with the right values, vigor, and judgment to serve as our next President — and in this race, there is no one better than her," Murkowski said in a statement.

Murkowski's leanings are hardly in step with the grassroots of her party: She voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial following the Jan. 6 insurrection.

She joined conservative Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) as Haley's lone endorsers in Congress.

However, later Friday, Collins said she voted for Haley in Maine's Republican presidential primary, according to the Bangor Daily News. Collins ruled out voting for Trump early in the 2024 cycle.

Haley hailed the respective endorsements in a post on X, writing: "Two strong senators in one day. I’m grateful to have their support."