President Donald J. Trump achieved a resounding triumph on Tuesday evening in New Hampshire while also accomplishing a historic milestone.
BOOM!
Trump wins, sets new record never before done!https://t.co/QFWPfCudfw
— DailyNoah.com (@DailyNoahNews) January 24, 2024
Trump shattered the previous record for the highest number of votes garnered by a presidential candidate in a New Hampshire primary. The previous record had been held by Bernie Sanders in 2016.
Back in 2016, Sanders secured a whopping 152,193 votes, surpassing Hillary Clinton by a considerable margin.
The election outcome delivered a setback to former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who secured a second-place finish despite dedicating substantial time and financial resources in a state renowned for its independent-minded voters. She emerged as the primary challenger after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) withdrew from the presidential race over the weekend, leaving her as the sole alternative to Trump.
During the final hours leading up to the polls closing, Trump’s supporters increased their efforts to persuade Haley to exit the race. However, Haley remained committed to her campaign even after the results were declared. Addressing her supporters, she amplified her criticism of the former president, raising questions about his mental sharpness and positioning herself as a unifying candidate poised to bring about generational change.
Haley announced, “This race is far from over. There are dozens of states left to go. It’s not over!”
Meanwhile, Trump can proudly claim the distinction of being the inaugural Republican presidential contender to clinch victories in open races in both Iowa and New Hampshire since these states assumed their prominent roles at the forefront of the election calendar back in 1976. This remarkable achievement underscores the swift and unwavering support that Republicans have extended to Trump, solidifying his position as their nominee for the third consecutive election cycle.
During his celebratory gathering on Tuesday night, Trump took the opportunity to repeatedly hurl insults at Haley and delivered a markedly more hostile speech compared to his post-Iowa victory address, which had emphasized the theme of Republican unity.
He said, “Let’s not have someone take a victory when she had a very bad night. Just a little note to Nikki, she’s not going to win.”
With decisive victories in both of the initial states, Trump is showcasing his knack for rallying the various factions within the GOP firmly around his candidacy. He has successfully garnered backing from evangelical conservatives, who wield significant influence in Iowa, as well as from the more centrist voters in New Hampshire. This coalition strength is a model he aims to replicate during the general election.
Trump’s performance was particularly robust in the state’s staunchly conservative regions, whereas Haley found her support base primarily in more liberal areas. The only areas where Haley held a lead over Trump were in cities and towns with a Democratic-leaning inclination, such as Concord, Keene, and Portsmouth.
