Former South Carolina Governor and 2024 GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley was beaten decisively in her home state of South Carolina by former President Donald Trump. 

The defeat marks yet another staggering loss for Haley and her campaign. However, she vowed to stay in the race, drawing the praise of several high-profile Democrats.

According to The Hill, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) applauded Haley for staying in the race despite not coming close to a victory in any of the Republican primaries in which she's competed so far.

Many believe Democrats are rooting her on because of their hatred for Trump.

Newsom weighs in

The California governor spoke about Haley's insistence on staying in the race despite not having much of a chance at winning the nomination.

Newsom even admitted that Haley has "no shot" at winning the nomination, but praised her for being one of the Democrats' "top surrogates" regarding their anti-Trump campaign.

"I don’t know why Democrats would want her out of the race. She’s one of our better surrogates," Newsom said in an NBC "Meet the Press" interview Sunda. "I mean, she’s defining the opposition of Trump incredibly effectively."

🔸️Gavin Newsom said the quiet part out loud. He called Nikki Haley a Democrat "surrogate."
🔸️Nikki Haley originally had her campaign funded by a leftist billionaire & a lot of her support is from Democrats who can't stand Biden. The other support is from never-Trumpers. pic.twitter.com/7iujfRekwd

— The Constitutional Conservative (@TheCCShowcast) February 25, 2024

Newsome doubled down in his praise for Haley's incessant attacks on Trump.

"She’s making points I’m applauding every single day about his temperament, his capacity, his unraveling in real time," he said. "And so I think she’s been incredibly effective, so I hope she stays in, personally."

Social media reacts

Users across social media commented on Newsom's remarks, with many offering varying theories as to why the California governor is really cheering Haley on from the sidelines.

"So, Gavin agrees with what Nikki says about "Joe" being too old? He's just using this to get people to Vote for her instead of TRUMP & it's not going to work," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "That was a “behind doors” lingo that he let out in public. A real mistake was made here."

In the wake of her devastating home-state loss, one of Haley's top donors pulled out of her campaign. Even if she wanted to stay in past Super Tuesday, financially and probably mathematically, it'll be impossible.