Story highlights South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley endorsed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio at an event Wednesday in Chapin

The popular second-term governor's endorsement could help Rubio in the state with a primary on Saturday

Washington (CNN) South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is endorsing Marco Rubio, giving the Florida senator a huge boost just days before the state's crucial Saturday primary.

Haley's endorsement came at a 6 p.m. Wednesday event in Chapin.

"If we elect Marco Rubio, every day will be a great day in America," Haley said, riffing on her signature phrase.

"I wanted somebody with fight, I wanted somebody with passion, I wanted somebody who had the conviction to do the right thing, but I wanted somebody humble enough to remember he works for all the people," Haley said.

"I wanted somebody who could show my parents that the best decision they ever made for their children was coming to America," said Haley, who is a first-generation Indian-American.