John AdoyiAs the Republican primaries shift to the crucial state of New Hampshire, former two-time governor of South Carolina and ex-US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, is gearing up for a high-stakes battle against former President Donald Trump.
This follows her recent defeat at the Iowa primaries, raising the stakes for Haley as she attempts to convince the Republican base that an alternative to Trump is a viable option.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelTrump, who secured victories in New Hampshire in both 2016 and 2020 with 35% and 84% of the Republican primary votes, has garnered widespread endorsements, including prominent figures like Ron DeSantis, Senator Tim Scott, and Vivek Ramaswamy who pulled out of the race as they couldn’t pull the crowd.
Despite facing an uphill battle, experts note a surge in Haley’s support in New Hampshire since December. If this trend continues, she could secure a substantial share of the state’s 22 delegates and potentially challenge Trump’s stronghold on the party.
The former governor launched her campaign events in New Hampshire on Monday, criticizing Trump for being preoccupied with vendettas and court cases, which she claims hinder him from focusing on the nation’s future. In contrast, Trump, at his final rally, decried the state of the country, expressing his desire to win by “big margins.”
According to reports, New Hampshire’s primary is unique due to its large number of independent voters who can participate, creating a potentially friendlier environment for Haley compared to conservative Iowa, where Trump triumphed with a 30% margin. Despite this advantage, Trump maintains a double-digit lead in most statewide polls.
According to a recent poll by Monmouth University conducted before DeSantis dropped out on Sunday, 52% of voters favored Trump, 34% favored Haley, and 8% favored DeSantis. DeSantis supporters are more likely to pick Trump as their second choice, suggested the poll, posing a challenge for Haley to consolidate anti-Trump sentiment.
This primary holds additional significance as Haley is the last major candidate capable of disrupting a potential November rematch between Trump and President Biden. A strong performance in New Hampshire is crucial for Haley’s continued relevance in the race because a win could boost her confidence and would give her the chance to get more funds and endorsements.
As the candidates canvass support from each state, the political landscape is also shaped by Trump’s ongoing legal battles. Currently facing 91 court cases, Trump alleges these are politically motivated. This legal entanglement has become a focal point in Haley’s campaign strategy, attempting to portray Trump as consumed by personal vendettas.
Following the New Hampshire primaries, attention will turn to South Carolina in February, Haley’s home state, where she hopes to build momentum for the next phase of the campaign. A poor showing in New Hampshire, however, could spell the end of her presidential aspirations, as historical data indicates that candidates winning the New Hampshire Republican primaries often secure a spot on the national ballot.
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