Trump plans to finish race in New Hampshire

Donald Trump is aiming for a decisive win in New Hampshire on Tuesday, securing success in the initial two Republican primary competitions

Donald Trump is seeking a resounding victory in New Hampshire on Tuesday, winning the first two Republican primary contests and increasing the likelihood of a rematch with President Joe Biden in November. 

The primary concern is whether Trump’s primary opponent, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, can chip away at his lead or even achieve an unexpected win. Haley has invested considerable time and financial resources in New Hampshire, aiming to appeal to its famously independent electorate. 

In the initial results announced early Tuesday, all six eligible voters in the small town of Dixville Notch cast their votes for Haley over Trump. This resort town is the sole location in New Hampshire this year to have chosen to hold a midnight vote. 

During his initial presidential run in 2016, Trump secured a significant victory in the Republican primary in New Hampshire, but some of his allies suffered losses in crucial races during the midterm elections two years ago. Haley also faces a contender deeply connected to the GOP base, focusing on winning the state decisively enough to effectively conclude the competitive phase of the Republican primary. 

If successful, Trump would become the first Republican presidential candidate to win open contests in Iowa and New Hampshire since both states began leading the election calendar in 1976, a clear indication of his enduring influence over the party’s most devoted supporters. 

Trump’s supporters are already urging Haley to exit the race, and these calls will grow stronger if he secures an easy victory in New Hampshire. Should she withdraw, it would effectively settle the GOP primary at its second stage, well before the vast majority of Republican voters across the country have had the opportunity to vote. 

Haley has been campaigning alongside New Hampshire’s popular Republican governor, Chris Sununu, who has been critical of Trump. She maintains that she is committed to staying in the race for the long haul, telling supporters at a VFW hall in Franklin on Monday, “America does not do coronations.” 

“This is about choosing between the status quo or someone who will lead us forward with innovative solutions,” Haley told reporters, also emphasizing, “We can either continue with the same old chaos we’ve always had, or we can move forward without drama, without vendettas, and with tangible results for the American people.” 

“This is a contest between two individuals,” she added. 

Both Haley and Trump were hoping to benefit from the recent high-profile exits from the race. Haley could gain support from some backers of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who campaigned against Trump but ended his bid shortly before Iowa’s caucus last week. Meanwhile, Trump may be able to consolidate backing from conservative voters who previously supported Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who ended his White House bid on Sunday. 

Source: Newsroom