Nikki Haley’s candidacy has benefited from former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s sudden resignation from the GOP presidential race, notably in her race for the second primary place with Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL). Haley can recruit more anti-Trump votes with Christie’s exit days before the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.
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Haley Gains Momentum as Christie Exits GOP Race Amidst Anti-Trump Sentiments
While DeSantis has focused on Iowa, Haley has focused on New Hampshire to prevent Trump from winning the GOP nominee. Trump leads, with RealClearPolitics reporting 43%, Haley 29.3%, and Christie 12%. Governor DeSantis trails at 6.3% and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy at 5%.
Christie ended his campaign without endorsing Haley and criticized her resistance to criticizing Trump. He strongly opposed another Trump presidency. Given Christie’s anti-Trump position, his followers may switch to Haley, helping her in the New Hampshire primary.
Haley was the second choice of 36% of prospective Republican primary voters in New Hampshire who did not choose Trump or Haley, compared to 30% for Trump, according to a CNN survey. 65% of Christie voters said they would support Haley without him.
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Christie’s Exit Shifts Dynamics in GOP Primary, Potentially Boosting Haley’s Prospects
Despite these factors, Trump’s campaign strategists argue that Christie’s exit hurts Haley due to his low ratings. They expect Trump conservatives and Haley’s DC establishment to fight in the primaries. Governor Chris Sununu, who backed Haley, thinks Christie’s departure will boost her. Republican leaders like Senator John Thune and conservative lawyer Heath Mayo also recommend supporting Haley with Christie out of the running.
Christie, looking resigned to his campaign’s suspension, mistakenly questioned Haley’s chances in a hot mic moment. Haley was conciliatory, praising Christie’s hard-fought campaign and underscoring voters’ obvious choice. Christie dropped out just before Haley and DeSantis’ CNN primary debate and Trump’s Fox News town hall.
Christie’s exit changes the GOP primary, which might help Haley gain ground.
