DeSantis supporters lean towards Trump as 2nd choice in New Hampshire primary

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By Carina

In a notable shift in the GOP presidential race, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ supporters are more inclined to back former President Donald Trump over Nikki Haley. 

A recent University of New Hampshire/CNN poll revealed that 62 percent of New Hampshire’s DeSantis supporters would choose Trump as their second choice, compared to 30 percent favoring Haley. 

DeSantis suspends campaign, endorses Trump

This poll was released shortly before Governor DeSantis announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Trump.

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On January 21, Ron DeSantis declared the suspension of his campaign, citing a lack of a clear victory path. 

“I signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee, and I will honor that pledge. He has my endorsement because we can’t go back to the old Republican guard of yesteryear, a repackaged form of warmed-over corporatism that Nikki Haley represents,” DeSantis stated. 

Read More: DeSantis withdraws from 2024 presidential race, leaves Haley as Trump’s primary challenger

Polls reflect Trump’s lead in New Hampshire

Trump’s campaign welcomed DeSantis’ endorsement, urging party unity behind Trump, the apparent frontrunner.

Despite only 6 percent of New Hampshire voters choosing DeSantis as their first choice, his endorsement could bolster Trump’s lead in the state. 

The CNN poll indicates a potential increase in Trump’s support following DeSantis’ exit. 

Trump leads in Iowa as DeSantis’ early GOP race momentum slows

The former president was already leading with 51 percent of the vote in the Iowa caucuses, significantly ahead of DeSantis.

DeSantis initially emerged as a strong contender, winning reelection in Florida and gaining prominence for handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early polls showed him closely competing with Trump. However, his campaign gradually lost momentum amid internal disputes and strategic challenges. 

Also Read: Gov. DeSantis makes future plans after 2nd place Iowa caucus position

DeSantis loses key supporter to Trump, narrowing GOP field to Trump and Haley

The shift in support from DeSantis’ primary financial backer, Never Back Down Inc., and the defection of its major donor to Trump further weakened his position.

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With DeSantis out of the race, the GOP field narrows down to Trump and Haley. 

Pre-primary polls in New Hampshire show Trump leading Haley by 11 percentage points. 

Trump leads Haley in GOP polls amid legal battles, solidifying dominance

An average of polls by Real Clear Polling indicates Trump’s substantial lead in the GOP New Hampshire primary and the overall nomination race, with a significant gap between him and Haley.

Despite facing multiple legal battles, Trump has maintained and even strengthened his popularity within the GOP base. 

The gap between him and Haley in the race for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination is notably broad, highlighting his dominant position.

Read Next: Trump cites Hiroshima incident in argument for presidential immunity

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