Nikki Haley, the Republican presidential candidate, is narrowing the gap with former US President Donald Trump in the contest for the Republican nomination in New Hampshire, as indicated by recent polls. According to the American Research Group Inc. poll released last week, Haley secured 29% support compared to Trump’s 33%, falling within the survey’s 4% margin of error.
This trend is not limited to New Hampshire, as Haley has been steadily climbing in national polls since July, currently holding the third position, just below Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The former South Carolina governor has also gained popularity in Iowa and South Carolina.
The surge in Haley’s momentum can be attributed to her strong performances in the first three GOP debates, positioning her as a viable alternative to Trump. Notably, she has managed a delicate balance in her criticism of Trump, aiming to build a coalition that includes his supporters. Endorsements from influential figures, such as four-time Republican Governor Chris Sununu and Americans for Prosperity, have bolstered her standing.
Despite these gains, Haley faces a significant gap behind Trump in national polls, with 63% of likely primary voters favoring Trump, while Haley secured 12%. To challenge Trump effectively, she must broaden her support base, particularly among voters in rural areas, middle- or working-class individuals, or those without college degrees. The possibility of gaining more traction could arise if other candidates, like DeSantis, exit the race, allowing Haley to unite anti-Trump factions within the party. Nonetheless, achieving a substantial shift in Republican voter opinion remains a formidable challenge for Haley.
