After once predicting an overwhelming victory for Nikki Haley in New Hampshire’s debut primary election, Governor Chris Sununu has shifted his views, conceding that second place would suffice.
Sununu’s transformation matches the outlook on the ground as Donald Trump surprisingly crushed the rest of the Republican Party in Iowa by a whopping 30%). Combining the results in Iowa with Trump’s consistent lead over Haley in the Granite State suggests that Tuesday will be a good night for the former President.
On December 17, 2023, soon after announcing his endorsement for Haley in the GOP presidential race, Sununu expressed enthusiasm for the former South Carolina governor’s chances of success. Speaking to ABC’s Jonathan Karl, Sununu claimed the results would represent a reset button for Haley, providing her campaign with a landslide victory if all of those eligible to vote in the primary came out to do so. He further stressed that the prediction was not an exaggeration.
Indeed, in the succeeding days, Sununu reemphasized his firm belief in Haley’s ability to win. During a Haley town hall in Londonderry, he confidently announced that the victory was ‘wrapped up.’ Sununu’s view, however, has now shifted, acknowledging that a second-place finish would be sufficient for Haley. His remarks align with the present reality on the ground, which suggests that Trump’s hold over New Hampshire remains unshakeable.
Indeed, Trump commands strong leads over Haley in public opinion polls, making it increasingly unlikely that she will be able to win the primary. Despite her valiant efforts in campaigning, Haley has struggled to build momentum since announcing her candidacy, facing a mountainous challenge against an established rival who commands significant popular support.
With less than 24 hours to go, political analysts predict that Trump will continue his dominance over Haley in the upcoming primary. For Chris Sununu and the Republican Party, it will be crucial to assess the GOP’s performance in New Hampshire, setting the tone for campaigns across the country and paving the way for a firm resolution to a turbulent period in the Republican Party’s history.
