Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she does not see herself endorsing former President Donald Trump, even if he wins the Republican Party's presidential nomination.
Trump on Tuesday captured the New Hampshire primary to become the first Republican to sweep competitive votes in both Iowa and the Granite State since 1976, when the two states cemented their status as the first nominating contests.
The former president thus is the clear front-runner to head 2024 GOP national ticket.
Collins was asked whether she could see herself endorsing Trump if he's the party's nominee in the general election.
"I do not at this point," she said, The Hill reported.
Collins said she was pleased to see former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley finish second in New Hampshire.
"I'm glad to hear last night that Nikki Haley is determined to stay in [the race]. I think the more people see of her — particularly since she appears to be the only alternative to Donald Trump right now — the more impressed they will be," Collins said.
The senator said she didn't formally endorse Haley previously because she was friendly with other GOP candidates such as former Vice President Mike Pence; former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson; and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., The Hill reported.
The top-ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Collins is a key figure in getting bills passed through Congress.
She was one of seven Senate Republicans to vote to convict Trump on the charge of inciting insurrection during his second impeachment trial in 2021.
Collins last week was among seven GOP senators who did not sign on to an amicus brief to the Supreme Court supporting Trump's effort to remain on the 2024 presidential ballot.
Despite her issues with Trump, Collins has said Maine's decision to leave the former president off the 2024 Republican primary ballot should be overturned.
"Maine voters should decide who wins the election — not a Secretary of State chosen by the Legislature," Collins posted Dec. 28 on X. "The Secretary of State's decision would deny thousands of Mainers the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice, and it should be overturned."
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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