Former President Donald Trump maintains a substantial lead in the GOP primary field in New Hampshire, with a new Washington Post-Monmouth University poll illustrating his dominance.
The poll, released on Friday, reveals Trump securing 46 percent support from likely New Hampshire Republican primary voters, significantly outpacing his competitors.
Trump’s Commanding Lead:
The Washington Post-Monmouth University poll underscores Trump’s continued influence in the GOP, with a 28-point lead over his nearest rival, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
This commanding lead defies predictions that New Hampshire might present a challenge to his path to the 2024 Republican nomination.
Competitors’ Rankings:
Nikki Haley emerges as the second choice for 18 percent of likely New Hampshire GOP voters, followed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie at 11 percent and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy at 8 percent.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who previously led Trump in New Hampshire, now trails with 7 percent support.
Potential Growth for Haley and DeSantis:
While the survey suggests potential growth for both Haley and DeSantis in New Hampshire, it indicates an uphill battle to surpass Trump.
Notably, 35 percent of the electorate views Haley as their first or second choice, and among voters not supporting Trump, 56 percent favor Haley.
New Hampshire Voters’ Satisfaction and Enthusiasm:
Sixty percent of New Hampshire voters express satisfaction or enthusiasm at the prospect of Nikki Haley winning the Republican nomination.
This sentiment positions her as a historic candidate, potentially becoming the first woman and woman of color to secure the nomination.
DeSantis’ Position and Voter Preferences:
DeSantis, despite rating as the second choice for 20 percent of likely New Hampshire primary voters, faces challenges in overtaking Trump.
When first and second choices are combined, DeSantis rises to third place with 27 percent, behind Trump and Haley.
However, Trump’s lead extends to 54 percent in this composite measure.
Iowa and New Hampshire Dynamics:
The upcoming New Hampshire primary, scheduled for January 23, follows the Iowa caucuses by eight days.
Historical patterns in New Hampshire indicate a tendency for voters to choose a different candidate than Iowa, with the exception of incumbents.
Trump’s distinct effort to reclaim the presidency four years later adds a unique dimension to the 2024 election landscape.
Conclusion
The latest poll highlights the enduring appeal of Donald Trump in the GOP, particularly in New Hampshire, setting the stage for a closely watched primary.
As the political landscape evolves, Trump’s substantial lead poses a significant challenge for competitors like Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, underscoring the dynamics shaping the Republican primary race in the lead-up to 2024.
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