As the much-anticipated first-in-the-nation primary unfolds in snow-covered New Hampshire, all eyes are on the potential face-off between former President Donald Trump and former South
Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley for the 2024 Republican nomination.
Despite facing criminal charges and opposition from established Republicans, Trump seems poised for a decisive victory over Nikki Haley in the Granite State race. Following his recent triumph in the Iowa caucuses, Trump is pushing for a substantial win in New Hampshire, hoping it will compel his opponents to concede the entire GOP race. Notably, in the past week, three former challengers—Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy—have endorsed Trump.
Although polls indicate Haley is trailing Trump, she remains steadfast in her commitment to challenge the Republican frontrunner in New Hampshire. A poor performance could increase pressure on her to follow DeSantis's lead and withdraw from the 2024 race, potentially paving the way for Trump's nomination.
Haley, acknowledging the political class's eagerness to declare the race over, emphasized that democracy is about offering choices. In a Monday appearance on Fox News, she stated, "We don't do coronations. A democracy is about giving people options. We're in this. We're going to keep on going." Haley is aiming to gain momentum for the Feb. 24 primary in her home state of South Carolina, provided she can endure until then.
With Trump polling at just over 54% in New Hampshire and Haley averaging just under 37%, the former president holds a solid lead in this critical primary.
This primary may mark the final chapter for Trump's 2024 GOP challengers, as several have dropped out in recent months. DeSantis, who exited the race on Sunday, was the latest to endorse Trump.
Despite facing legal challenges, including multiple indictments last year and upcoming criminal trials and civil lawsuits in 2024, Trump appears on the brink of winning this pivotal primary. His legal battles, ranging from attempts to overturn the 2020 election results to a defamation trial in New York City, cast a shadow over the New Hampshire primary. The legal proceedings will resume just hours after polls close in the Granite State, adding an unprecedented dimension to Trump's campaign. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.
