Nikki Haley withdraws from Republican presidential race

Nikki Haley officially withdrew as a Republican presidential candidate on Wednesday. Her decision comes after a crushing defeat on Super Tuesday, with Donald Trump winning in 14 out of 15 states. Trump is now likely to face off against incumbent Joe Biden in November's US presidential election.

Nikki Haley was Donald Trump's last remaining opponent in the Republican primaries. But the 52-year-old politician only managed to win primaries in two states before dropping out of the race.

With Trump the only remaining candidate, it looks like the former president will face off against current President Joe Biden in the November election. Haley congratulated Trump on "likely" becoming the Republican nominee.

"It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the votes of those in our party and beyond"

Trump only has 995 of the 1,215 delegates needed to become the Republican presidential nominee. He is expected to reach the required number of delegates as early as next week. Trump is also facing a number of lawsuits that could derail his campaign.

Haley did not endorse Trump's candidacy. "It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the votes of those in our party and beyond," she said in her speech. "And I hope he does that."

^{© Joseph Prezioso / AFP}