N.H. Gov. Chris Sununu poised to back Nikki Haley in the Republican presidential race

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu is expected to endorse Nikki Haley’s bid for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.

Winning the support of the popular governor ahead of the Jan. 23 first-in-the-nation primary state is a positive sign for Ms. Haley, who has been battling it out with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for a distant second place behind former President Donald Trump.

Mr. Sununu plans to make the official endorsement Tuesday at a town hall event in New Hampshire, according to multiple news reports.

Mr. Sununu has been looking for a candidate to back and has warned voters against nominating Mr. Trump, saying his political and legal baggage threatens to undermine the GOP on Election Day.

Mr. DeSantis, meanwhile, won the support of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds earlier this year and is putting most of his focus on a strong showing in the Jan. 15 caucuses.

Ms. Haley, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and former South Carolina governor, has been climbing in the race, according to polls that show she is running second in New Hampshire and third in Iowa.

Mr. Sununu has been making regular appearances with the candidates, traveling his state with Ms. Haley, Mr. DeSantis and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.