Former SC Gov. Nikki Haley’s mother dies. She loved family ‘more than anything’
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley announced the death of her mother, Raj Kaur Randhawa, on social media Saturday. She passed away on July 4.
“She loved her family more than anything,” Haley wrote in a Facebook post. “My strength and determination came from her. I will forever be proud to say I am my mother’s daughter.”
During the 2024 presidential primary, Raj Kaur Randhawa joined her daughter at the voting booth. Haley’s father, Ajit Singh Randhawa, was battling cancer at the time and died that year.
Born in India’s Punjab region, Raj Kaur Randhawa studied law at the University of New Delhi, according to People. Before coming to South Carolina, Haley’s parents lived in Canada while her father worked on his doctorate. The family settled in Bamberg in 1969, where Haley’s mother later opened a boutique.
“I’m convinced she left us on 4th of July because she wanted to go out with a bang,” Haley’s post read. “But the beauty of it all is that she loved this country and all it gave to her, my dad, and our family for over 50 years.”
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham sent his condolences in a post on X.
“Mrs. Randhawa was a terrific and wonderful lady who brought much joy to her family and friends,” Graham wrote in the post. “She truly lived the American dream.”
Haley was elected governor in 2010 and 2014, resigning in 2017 to become United Nations ambassador. She campaigned for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.
This story was originally published July 5, 2025 at 12:52 PM.