In the New Hampshire primary, former President Donald Trump secured a decisive victory over his last notable rival, Nikki Haley, just eight days after dominating the Iowa caucuses.
Fox News projected Trump’s win shortly after polls closed. Trump expressed gratitude for the result, while Haley, in her speech, congratulated him and affirmed her campaign’s continuation despite trailing by an eight to eleven-point margin.
Nikki Haley voter in New Hampshire:
"It was a strategic vote… I wouldn't vote for her in a general election. A vote for Haley helps diminish Trump's influence." pic.twitter.com/jpS4bRzmiH
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) January 24, 2024
Though speculation arose about Haley suspending her campaign, Trump suggested she should.
However, Haley, a former two-term South Carolina governor, emphasized the early stage of the race, noting New Hampshire’s significance and dismissing widespread claims that the contest was over.
With independent voters comprising 40% of the electorate, New Hampshire was viewed as crucial for Haley, who invested time and resources in the state and secured an endorsement from Governor Chris Sununu.
Trump on Nikki Haley after New Hampshire victory:
"She's doing a speech like she won. She didn't win, she lost…if you remember Ron was very upset because she pretended she won Iowa. Didn't she come in third?" pic.twitter.com/vrPGuSSiX6
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 24, 2024
The GOP field, once over a dozen candidates, has now narrowed down to Trump and Haley after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis withdrew. While Haley’s home state of South Carolina holds the next major contest on February 24, she pledged to continue the campaign, stating, “there are dozens of states left to go.”
A source in Haley’s orbit pointed at Trump’s supposedly weak performance, securing barely half the vote in two states. Trump’s legal troubles, including four indictments related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election, have motivated his base, with his victories in Iowa and New Hampshire solidify his influence within the Republican Party, moving him closer to his goal of reclaiming the White House.
