Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is gaining traction in the Republican primary race in New Hampshire, according to recent polling.
The American Research Group Inc. survey reveals that Haley and Trump are tied at 40 percent among likely Republican primary voters in the state.
The recent polling data from American Research Group Inc. indicates a notable surge in support for both Nikki Haley and Donald Trump among likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire.
In December, Trump had a 33 percent approval rating, while Haley was at 29 percent. However, by January, both candidates had gained more support, with Trump at 37 percent and Haley at 33 percent.
In contrast, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who surpassed Haley for second place in Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses, garnered only 4 percent support among New Hampshire Republicans in the latest poll.
However, a different poll released Wednesday shows the former president received 50% of the vote in New Hampshire, compared to 34% for former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, according to research from Suffolk University, the Boston Globe, and NBC.
The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, came in a distant third in New Hampshire at 5% after defeating Haley this week in Iowa.
Trump emerged as the clear winner in Iowa with 51 percent of the vote, followed by DeSantis with 21 percent and Haley with 19 percent.
While DeSantis may have gained momentum in Iowa, Haley argues that the New Hampshire primary is a one-on-one matchup between her and the former president.
Read: Florida Gov. DeSantis Makes Pitch In South Carolina Before Flying To New Hampshire
The Importance of New Hampshire
New Hampshire, hosting its primary on January 23, holds significant weight in the presidential race. Traditionally, the state plays a crucial role in narrowing down the field of candidates.
It primarily serves as an important indicator of a candidate’s viability and can either propel them forward or force them to reconsider their campaign strategy.
Haley recognizes the criticality of New Hampshire and is putting her efforts into securing a victory or a close second-place finish.
Fundraising Pressures and the Path Forward
Despite Nikki Haley’s growing support, some of her top fundraisers are urging her to compete fiercely with Donald Trump in the New Hampshire primary.
After finishing third in the Iowa caucus, there is mounting pressure on Haley to either defeat Trump or at least give him a tough competition.
However, achieving this feat won’t be easy, as acknowledged by Andy Sabin, a New York businessman and Haley fundraiser.
“I would still like to see her get somewhere, but the mountain she has to climb is enormous,” Andy Sabin, a New York businessman and Haley fundraiser, told CNBC. “As much as I like Haley, I don’t even know what Trump could do to stop himself right now.”
Several other Haley fundraisers share the sentiment that her performance in New Hampshire will determine the future of her campaign, according to the outlet.
Read: Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley Dodges Question Of If A Man Can Become A Woman
If she manages to secure a very close second place or even pull off an upset win, the race could continue for an extended period. However, if Haley fails to perform well in New Hampshire, it could potentially mark the end of her bid for the nomination.
To retain the support of her affluent donors, Haley must come within three percentage points of Trump in the New Hampshire primary, a Republican fundraising advisor told CNBC.
Failure to meet this expectation could lead some donors to turn away from Haley and explore alternative ways to stop Trump, such as financing a third-party effort.
The importance of New Hampshire goes beyond securing the state’s primary victory; it could determine the trajectory of Haley’s campaign and the overall dynamics of the Republican race.
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