In a new national poll by CBS News/YouGov, former South Carolina Governor and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has made major inroads in New Hampshire. She now holds 29% of the Republican voters’ support, trailing Donald Trump by only 15 points. This marks a significant leap from her previous standing in national polls, and it is the first time Trump’s lead over Haley has dipped below 30 points.
The poll showed that Trump’s initial 30-point lead over Haley had dropped, adding to the speculation about his upcoming decisions. Trump himself declared in an X post that he had always gotten along with Haley and hinted that she could be a potential pick for vice president. He further demonstrated his fondness for Haley by stopping the use of his previous nickname “bird brain” for her during recent campaign appearances.
Despite this, Haley will need to overcome skepticism from some Trump supporters who have pledged to walk away from his campaign if she is chosen as his running mate. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed strong opposition in social media posts and argued that Haley represents the neocon establishment that alienates the Republican Party’s constituents.
The CBS poll also indicated that Haley has nearly tripled her support in New Hampshire compared to previous polls. Drawing attention to her career as a U.N. Ambassador, her supporters have praised her experience and ability to engage with world leaders during tumultuous times globally.
In a bold move, New Hampshire’s Governor Chris Sununu has endorsed Haley’s campaign. Some have suspected that this sudden backing may be indicative of Sununu preparing for a cabinet position, given that he would not be seeking reelection. His endorsement, along with prominent political networks and donors, has contributed to a significant surge in Haley’s popularity in the state.
In the poll, Haley was ranked first for likability and reasonability. Her views on abortion have also garnered support from Republicans, as she has emphasized the need to consider exceptions rather than enforcing an absolute ban. The poll demonstrated that her rise in New Hampshire is a reflection of her appeal to a broad base of Republican voters, with her balanced approach to policies and key Republican issues.
With New Hampshire’s upcoming primary, Haley’s increased popularity, key endorsements, and voting trends in her favor have set the stage for an intense battle with Trump and her other GOP rivals. This suggests that the race for the Republican nomination is far from predictable and could potentially escalate further.
