New Hampshire Primary 2024: Trump and Haley Face Off in Republican Race
The New Hampshire primary is underway, and all eyes are on the Republican race as former President Donald Trump and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley battle it out for the party’s nomination. As polls begin to close, voters are making their voices heard, and the results will shape the course of the upcoming races.
Polling stations in many jurisdictions closed at 7 p.m. ET, with others staying open until 8 p.m. It is important to note that voters who are in line when the polls close will still be allowed to vote. CBS News has decided not to characterize the race until all polls in the state have closed, ensuring a fair assessment of the results.
The Republican candidates are vying for 22 delegates in New Hampshire, and both Trump and Haley are determined to make their mark. Trump aims to replicate his decisive victory in the Iowa caucuses last week, while Haley is fighting to close the gap and keep her campaign alive. A strong showing in New Hampshire is crucial for Haley as she looks forward to upcoming races, including her home state of South Carolina and Super Tuesday on March 5, when 16 states and territories hold their contests.
Early exit polling of New Hampshire’s Republican voters reveals an interesting dynamic. Unlike the Iowa caucuses, where Trump was propelled to victory by a predominantly conservative electorate, New Hampshire shows a more moderate electorate. Approximately one in three voters in the GOP primary consider themselves moderate, compared to just one in ten in Iowa. This shift could have significant implications for the outcome of the race.
Furthermore, the exit polling also indicates that New Hampshire Republican primary voters are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in the country. Around 45% of GOP voters expressed their dissatisfaction, while 32% stated that they were angry. These sentiments could influence their choice of candidate and shape the narrative of the Republican race moving forward.
On the Democratic side, President Biden is not on the ballot, and Tuesday’s results will not award any delegates. The Democratic National Committee penalized New Hampshire for maintaining its first-in-the-nation status, as the party wanted South Carolina to hold the lead in the 2024 Democratic cycle. In response, President Biden’s reelection campaign has encouraged Democrats to write in his name. However, it is important to note that the results on the Democratic side will be slower to come in.
As the New Hampshire primary progresses, the political landscape is shifting, and the outcome will undoubtedly impact the trajectory of the Republican race. Trump and Haley are facing off, each with their sights set on victory. The moderate electorate in New Hampshire could play a decisive role in determining who emerges as the frontrunner. Stay tuned for live updates as we witness democracy in action.
