In the race for the 2024 GOP nomination, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is emerging as a strong competitor against former President Donald Trump.
Recent polls from CBS News/YouGov indicate that Haley is narrowing the gap in New Hampshire, with Trump leading at 44 percent and Haley following closely at 29 percent.
Over the past few months, Nikki Haley has been steadily gaining traction in New Hampshire. In September, Trump held a significant lead, with close to 44 percent of the polling average, followed by other candidates such as biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie, and Ron DeSantis.
However, as of December, the polling average shows Haley in clear second place behind Trump, with 23 percent support.
Read: Trump Dominates In Iowa, Florida Gov. DeSantis And Former South Carolina Gov. Haley Vie For 2nd
Haley’s campaign has achieved its initial goal of becoming a viable contender down the stretch. She outlasted prominent figures like Senator Tim Scott and former Vice President Mike Pence, positioning herself as a serious candidate.
The recent CBS News/YouGov poll is just one data point; however, there is no denying the strength of Haley’s campaign in the Granite State.
One of the most significant endorsements Haley recieved is from New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a popular figure in the state and a key influencer in the Republican Party.
“Let’s get this thing done. We’re all in on Nikki Haley, undoubtedly. You can feel the energy. You can feel it,” the fourth-term governor said.
Sununu, who once considered a presidential bid himself, joined the former South Carolina governor on the first night of her three-day campaign swing in New Hampshire.
Competitors in the Race
While Haley’s momentum is undeniable, she still faces stiff competition from other candidates vying for the GOP nomination. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie are among the contenders who are not ready to step aside.
DeSantis, who has received 100 endorsements from state and local leaders in New Hampshire, believes that the outcome in Iowa will significantly impact what happens in New Hampshire.
He anticipates emerging as the true Trump alternative, garnering support from over 60 New Hampshire state legislators.
Christie, on the other hand, has focused much of his campaign energy on New Hampshire and has polled at roughly third place in the state.
While some candidates are calling for voters to consolidate their support behind certain campaigns, Christie has a different perspective.
He believes that voters don’t make decisions based solely on mathematical calculations.
In an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Christie expressed his belief that voters should be allowed to make their own choices and let the campaign progress naturally.
“This idea of people just doing math and adding up numbers, that’s not the way voters vote,” Christie said “And, so, I would say to everybody out there: Let’s let the campaign move forward.”
When asked about his plans for the future, Christie expressed confidence in his ability to remain in the primary through the convention. He shares a common goal with fellow candidate Nikki Haley – both aspire to be the president of the United States.
“I think Governor Haley and I both have the same goal, and that is to be president of the United States. And I think we’re showing great momentum in New Hampshire. We have been gaining over the last couple of weeks. I think we’re going to continue to gain in that — in that fight,” he said. “And I think we’re going to do very, very well in New Hampshire on January 23.”
Trump’s Continued Dominance
Despite facing legal challenges, former President Donald Trump maintains a significant lead in both early state and national polling.
It is important to note that the strength of the Haley campaign lies not only in her rising popularity but also in her ability to offer a serious alternative to Trump’s candidacy, according to some pollsters..
However, Trump is surging in the national polls against Biden, arguably because of an indictment bounce, while President’s popularity balloon just deflated even more.
On one hand, the news for Biden, which was already bad, got even worse.
A new poll by Monmouth University pegged his approval rating at just 34%, an all-time low in that survey since Biden became president. Compared to that, 61% disapprove, giving him an underwater score of 27 points.
Biden is dropping among the groups he needs most to win next year: Democrats and independents.
Read: Florida Sen. Scott Says FSU Snub “Is Bigger Than Just College Football”
Biden recorded 74% approval among Democrats, which was down from 88% in Monmouth’s July poll. As for independents, his approval rating registered just 24%, down from 38% five months ago.
The pollster noted that majorities of voters — between 52% and 69%, depending on the issue, disapprove of how Biden has handled immigration, inflation, climate change, unemployment and transportation and energy infrastructure.
As for the Biden administration’s rhetoric to counter the plunge, poll Director Patrick Murray told Newsmax, “There is political danger in pushing a message that basically tells people their take on their own situation is wrong.”
The Road Ahead for Haley
As the race progresses, the Haley campaign will need to articulate its strategy beyond the Granite State.
Speculation surrounds how well she will perform in her home state of South Carolina, and it is crucial for her campaign to demonstrate a clear plan for the future.
Another critical factor for Haley’s campaign is the support of donors. The ability to sustain financial backing beyond the early caucuses and primaries will be crucial, especially as the race transitions to larger states on Super Tuesday. Media states require substantial funding, and the question remains whether Haley’s donors will have the patience and resources to support her throughout the race.
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