Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley appears to be losing momentum as the New Hampshire primary approaches, according to a recent poll conducted by the Saint Anselm College Survey Center. The poll revealed that 31% of probable Republican primary voters would support Haley, while 45% would opt for former President Donald Trump. These numbers indicate a one-point increase for each candidate since December.
Haley had previously seen a surge in support, thanks to her strong performances in GOP debates and endorsements. However, her momentum seems to have plateaued, raising questions about her ability to catch up before the state’s primary on January 23rd.
The poll, which is based on online responses from 1,194 likely New Hampshire Republican primary voters, has a margin of error of +/- 2.8%. Other polls also show Trump leading, suggesting that Haley has ground to make up.
The recent exit of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie from the race could potentially work in Haley’s favor. With Christie out of the picture, Haley now has the opportunity to consolidate the moderate and anti-Trump votes in the state.
Haley’s decline in the polls comes as a surprise given her previous surge in support. She had been closing the gap on Trump in New Hampshire, as reported in a recent Benzinga article. Trump currently holds a 29-point lead over Haley in her home state, as detailed in another Benzinga article.
While Haley’s rise in the polls was noteworthy, Trump had been strengthening his grip on New Hampshire three weeks before the primary, as highlighted in a previous Benzinga report.
The endorsement of Haley by New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu in December 2023 had significantly boosted her campaign, positioning her as an alternative to Trump within the Republican party. However, it now appears that Haley’s momentum has slowed.
These developments in the New Hampshire primary race will be closely watched as they could have implications for the larger 2024 presidential election. Haley’s ability to close the gap on Trump and consolidate support will be key factors in determining her viability as a candidate.
In conclusion, Nikki Haley’s momentum in the New Hampshire primary race seems to have stalled, with Donald Trump maintaining a lead in the polls. The unexpected exit of Chris Christie could potentially work in Haley’s favor, but she will need to make up ground quickly before the primary. The outcome of the New Hampshire primary will have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election.
