(NewsNation) — South Carolina’s Republican presidential primary election Saturday will prove as a pivotal moment for former Gov. Nikki Haley.
Haley continues to struggle to gain traction in her home state but has vowed to stay in the race despite trailing former President Donald Trump by more than 30 points in polling averages.
Ahead of Saturday’s election, NewsNation spoke with one of her most vocal supporters: South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman, the lone member of Congress who has endorsed Haley.
He previously acknowledged it may be difficult for her to win South Carolina, but holds on to hope.
“Obviously, you want to win them all, but for those who say it’s going to embarrass her or end her political career, I disagree. She’s willing to take that risk,” Norman said. “I think it’s a courageous thing she’s doing.”
Norman first met Haley nearly 20 years ago when they served together as members of the state’s House of Representatives.
“You wouldn’t quit in the first quarter of a basketball game, and for those who are saying, you know, she needs to get out, they’re not doing the campaign. They’re not on the road with her, which I have been,” Norman said.
Despite many South Carolina poll numbers that appear to favor Trump, Democrats could give Haley’s campaign a late boost.
Some registered Democrats who attended a rally for Haley said they are voting for her Saturday.
Since South Carolina has an open primary, registered Democrats and independents can participate in either primary contest, just not both.
One political group supporting Haley is even sending Democratic voters letters to vote for Haley if they haven’t voted already.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
