In a recent development in the Republican presidential primary race, Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, has significantly narrowed the gap with former President Donald Trump in New Hampshire. According to a new poll by American Research Group, Haley has garnered 29% support from likely New Hampshire Republican primary voters, trailing Trump by just four percentage points, who leads with 33%.
The poll, conducted between December 14 and 20, indicates a shifting dynamic in the GOP primary race. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is currently in third place with 13% support, followed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 6%. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy received 5% support, and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson garnered 1%.
This poll is particularly noteworthy as it was conducted through 600 completed telephone interviews among a random sample of likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire. The sample included 361 Republicans and 239 undeclared voters or independents.
The results show a significant undecided voter base, with 12% of respondents yet to make up their minds ahead of the primary. Only 1% of the surveyed voters expressed support for a candidate other than the mainstream GOP contenders.
The poll’s findings are significant for Haley, who has been positioning herself as the best alternative to Trump for Republican voters. Her recent surge in New Hampshire, where the primary contest is set for January 23, follows the coveted endorsement she received from New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu.
In contrast, the DeSantis campaign has been focusing its efforts on Iowa, where the caucuses are scheduled for January 15. Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa endorsed DeSantis in November.
Nationally, a Fox News Poll released Sunday showed Trump maintaining a wide lead over his GOP rivals, with 69% support from Republican primary voters. DeSantis and Haley trailed with 12% and 9% support, respectively.
This latest poll from New Hampshire suggests a competitive race in the state, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the Republican primary contest as candidates vie for support ahead of the early voting states’ primaries and caucuses.