Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has narrowed the gap in the Republican primary race in New Hampshire against former President Donald Trump, according to a recent CNN Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire.
In the poll, Trump maintains a significant lead with 39% support from likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire, while Haley follows closely at 32%. The remaining candidates, including former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, trail with Christie at 12%, Ramaswamy at 8%, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 5%, and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson at less than 1%.
Haley’s support has surged by 12 percentage points since the last CNN/UNH poll in November, particularly among undeclared voters and moderates. Her campaign’s efforts in the state, including an endorsement from New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, have contributed to this growth. Notably, the Granite State’s GOP primary is scheduled for January 23.
The dynamics of the New Hampshire primary electorate, where more moderate and less staunchly partisan voters play a significant role, underscore the strength of Haley’s challenge to Trump. Trump maintains a lead among conservatives, registered Republicans, and those without college degrees, while Haley leads among moderates, undeclared voters, and college graduates. Christie emerges as the second choice among these groups.
However, Haley’s supporters appear less committed compared to Trump’s base, with only 54% stating they have definitively decided on her. The poll also indicates room for shifts in the race, as 45% of those supporting other candidates remain undecided.
While Trump and Haley are viewed more favorably than unfavorably by likely GOP primary voters in New Hampshire, both candidates’ ratings have declined since September. Trump holds a 47% favorable and 38% unfavorable rating, while Haley has a 39% favorable and 35% unfavorable rating.
Regarding the eligibility of Trump to run in Maine’s GOP primary, about 69% of likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire oppose the ruling blocking him from the ballot, challenging the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban.” A significant majority believe partisan politics influenced the decision.
President Joe Biden’s job approval rating in New Hampshire stands at 42%, with 57% disapproving, according to the poll. While Biden did not file to appear on New Hampshire’s primary ballot, he dominates the Democratic field with 69% of likely Democratic primary voters planning to write in his name. Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips and author Marianne Williamson trail behind with 7% and 6% support, respectively.
