Donald Trump has claimed victory in New Hampshire’s Republican presidential contest, advancing closer to a potential November showdown with Democratic President Joe Biden. Despite this win, Nikki Haley, the only remaining contender for the Republican nomination, remains defiant, vowing to continue her campaign.
At a post-election event in Concord, Haley, the former U.N. ambassador, challenged Trump to a debate, declaring, “This race is far from over. I’m a fighter. And I’m scrappy. And now we’re the last one standing next to Donald Trump.” In response, Trump, speaking at his own event in Nashua, disparagingly referred to Haley as an “imposter” and dismissed her continued candidacy.
The upcoming primary in South Carolina, scheduled for February 24, where Haley served two terms as governor, is seen as the next significant battleground. Trump currently leads in opinion polls and has secured most of the state’s Republican endorsements.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley takes the stage at a Get Out the Vote campaign rally ahead of the New Hampshire primary election in Exeter, New Hampshire, U.S., January 21, 2024.
Brian Snyder | Reuters
In New Hampshire, with a majority of votes counted, Trump held a substantial lead over Haley. Her hope that the state’s independent voters would swing in her favor, potentially challenging Trump’s stronghold on the Republican Party, did not materialize.
This primary marked the first direct contest between Trump and Haley, following Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s withdrawal and endorsement of Trump. Despite Trump’s New Hampshire win, exit polls suggested potential vulnerabilities in a general election campaign, including legal challenges he faces.
Concurrently, Biden, who chose not to appear on the New Hampshire Democratic primary ballot, still demonstrated significant support among voters. In a statement, Biden emphasized the high stakes of the upcoming election, highlighting issues such as democracy, personal freedoms, and economic recovery.
Haley has increasingly criticized Trump, targeting his leadership style and age, and warning that he would lose to Biden if nominated. She said, “The worst-kept secret in politics is how badly the Democrats want to run against Donald Trump. They know Trump is the only Republican in the country who Joe Biden can defeat.”
