A new CNN Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire has revealed that former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has narrowed the gap between herself and former President Donald Trump in the Republican primary race in New Hampshire.
The poll showed that Trump is still leading with 39% among likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire, while Haley secured 32% of the vote. Chris Christie, the former New Jersey Governor, comes in at 12%, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy at 8%, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis with 5%, and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson with less than 1%.
Haley received an endorsement last month from New Hampshire’s Governor, Chris Sununu. Since the last CNN/UNH poll in November, Haley’s support has risen by 12 percentage points. Among undeclared voters, she gained an impressive 18 points since November, and among ideologically moderate voters, her support rose by 20 points. This increased support suggests that Haley’s campaign strategy, including her work to gain endorsements, is working.
In the Granite State, the GOP primary is scheduled to take place on January 23. As the state’s primary electorate is notably moderate and less staunchly partisan, Haley’s strong performance in New Hampshire highlights her appeal to such a demographic. In contrast, Trump has been dominating the early national and Iowa caucuses polls. In fact, Trump has crossed the 50% mark in most recent polling on the Iowa caucuses.
The CNN/UNH poll also notes that out of all likely primary voters, a little over 4 in 10 are undeclared voters who plan to vote in the GOP primary (45%), rather than registered Republicans. Around one-third of the voters describe themselves as moderates (32%). Trump leads Haley by 40 percentage points among conservatives, 37 points among registered Republicans, and by 17 points among those without college degrees. On the other hand, Haley tops Trump by 42 points among moderates, 26 points among undeclared voters, and 12 points among college graduates.
The poll results indicate that support for Haley grew across all demographic categories, with the exception of conservatives, registered Republicans, and those without college degrees. Chris Christie, the former New Jersey Governor, came in second place between Haley and Trump, among moderates, undeclared voters, and college graduates. Haley’s campaign’s growth in support among undeclared voters and moderates contributes significantly to her reduced gap with Trump in New Hampshire.
