Republican Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon made headlines this week by throwing her support behind former President Donald Trump's bid for reelection.

Her endorsement came on the heels of Nikki Haley's exit from the race, effectively positioning Trump as the presumptive Republican nominee.

Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., endorsed former president Donald Trump’s election bid this week, in the wake of Nikki Haley’s withdrawal from the race that left Trump as the presumptive Republican nominee. Rep. Cliff Bentz endorsed Trump in January. https://t.co/rd5QM7QPLo

— KTVZ NewsChannel 21 (@KTVZ) March 8, 2024

The decision

Chavez-DeRemer took to Twitter to articulate her endorsement, emphasizing Trump's critique of President Joe Biden's policies and the urgent need for a leader to address border security, bolster the economy, and enhance public safety.

In a two-part tweet, she declared, "Donald Trump clearly outlined how Joe Biden’s policies have been a disaster for our country, and that we desperately need a president who will secure the border, strengthen the economy and improve public safety. I will be supporting him for president, so the American people know their voices were heard and get the relief they deserve from Joe Biden’s failures."

The announcement triggered a wave of responses, with both opponents of Trump and supporters of Biden weighing in critically on the social media platform.

Not alone

Meanwhile, Oregon's other Republican representative, Cliff Bentz, had previously thrown his support behind Trump in January via Twitter.

Haley's decision to suspend her campaign marked a pivotal moment, effectively shifting the focus to the general election, with Trump and Biden unofficially emerging as the frontrunners for their respective parties.

In her speech on Wednesday morning, Haley expressed gratitude for the support received during her campaign but acknowledged that the time had come to suspend her efforts. "I said I wanted Americans to have their voices heard — I have done that. I have no regrets," she stated.

Haley withholds endorsement

Although Haley refrained from making an endorsement, she urged Trump, who is on the cusp of securing the required number of delegates for the GOP nomination, to work towards broadening his support base to include Republicans and independent voters who had previously backed her candidacy.

Highlighting the importance of unity in politics, Haley emphasized, "At its best, politics is about bringing people into your cause, not turning them away. And our conservative cause badly needs more people. This is now his time for choosing."

Despite stepping back from the race, Haley expressed her readiness to support Trump as the Republican nominee, emphasizing the significance of preserving national unity above partisan differences.

"I congratulate him and wish him well. I wish anyone well who would be America’s president. Our country is too precious to let our differences divide us," she concluded.

The momentum continues to build for Trump as he moves toward a rematch with Biden in his comeback bid for the White House.