DeSantis asserts that Scott's backing of Trump presents a blow to Haley's standing.
In the race for the Republican nomination in New Hampshire, former President Donald Trump is currently leading with a significant margin, according to polls. Trump is reported to have around 52% support, while his closest rival, Nikki Haley, follows with 34%. Ron DeSantis, who recently suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump, is at 8%.
The state of New Hampshire plays a crucial role in the early stages of the GOP nomination race, and its presidential primary is scheduled for Tuesday. The latest development in the race is Senator Tim Scott's endorsement of Trump at a campaign rally in Concord, New Hampshire.
Ron DeSantis, Florida Governor and a rival for the Republican nomination, expressed his intention to return to the Granite State following a campaign swing in South Carolina. However, DeSantis has been largely sidelined within the GOP, having lost to Trump and seen Trump's increasing dominance in both national and Florida Republican politics. DeSantis's political relationships have been strained, including contentious interactions with other Republicans and a reputation for burning bridges.
Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the U.N., is positioning herself as a challenger to both Trump and Biden. Haley benefits from endorsements by South Carolina Republicans including Tim Scott and others, highlighting a split in GOP support between Trump’s base and Haley’s appeal as an alternative in New Hampshire and elsewhere.
Haley has criticized DeSantis, labeling him as "invisible" in New Hampshire. In response, DeSantis dismissed the idea of seeking an exit from the 2024 campaign. DeSantis has argued that Nikki Haley's campaign strategy in New Hampshire was excessive and that the Republican Party needs to regroup after lackluster turnout in Iowa.
The upcoming South Carolina Republican presidential primary on February 24 has 50 Republican delegates at stake. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Senator Lindsey Graham have previously endorsed former President Donald Trump in the GOP nomination race.
In summary, Trump currently leads the New Hampshire primary following DeSantis's withdrawal and endorsement of Trump. Haley remains Trump's closest rival in the state, supported by endorsements from South Carolina Republicans like Tim Scott. DeSantis has ceded ground post-campaign and does not play a central role in the immediate New Hampshire contest.
[1] New Hampshire Union Leader
[2] The Hill
[3] CNN
- The latest policy-and-legislation news shows a significant lead for former President Donald Trump in the New Hampshire Republican primary, as per the polls, while Nikki Haley follows closely. (The Hill)
- The general-news outlet CNN reports that the state of New Hampshire's presidential primary, scheduled for Tuesday, is critical for the GOP nomination race, with Trump currently in the lead amidst a split in GOP support between him and Nikki Haley. (CNN)
