New Hampshire Governor, Chris Sununu is reportedly expected to endorse former UN ambassador Nikki Haley in the 2024 race for the GOP nomination.
Haley has been gaining ground in the nominating contest, and specifically in the Granite State where she’s in a strong second place, and where she has been putting in the most time and resources. The anticipation of Governor Chris Sununu’s endorsement, which he’s expected to announce tonight at a rally with Haley, adds a significant layer to Haley’s campaign, as it is expected to solidify her position as a top contender in the primary race.
Sununu, who is currently serving his fourth term in office, remains popular among New Hampshire’s very independent electorate. What makes his endorsement particularly coveted is his active search for a GOP alternative to Donald Trump. This positions Sununu as a significant voice against the former president within the Republican Party. Sununu’s decision not to challenge Trump in the 2024 election himself and his willingness to endorse Haley demonstrate his belief in her potential as a strong candidate.
Examining Haley’s poll numbers against Trump and DeSantis, 538’s polling averages indicate a competitive landscape. Trump’s lead in the 2024 GOP primary race remains formidable, but Haley’s growing popularity and the endorsement from influential figures like Sununu could help narrow the gap. Recent polling suggests that former President Donald Trump continues to hold a strong lead in the primary with a formidable 60% support, particularly strong in New Hampshire, where Trump commands 46% support. Haley trails the former president in a distant second place at 18%, while Ron DeSantis is falling behind with only 7% support. Nationally, DeSantis and Haley are locked in a close race for second place, with 11% and 10% support, respectively. While DeSantis is also considered a strong contender, both he and Haley are striving to overcome Trump’s dominance in the race.
Drawing a parallel with Governor Kim Reynolds’s endorsement of Ron DeSantis in Iowa, which provided him with a notable three-point boost in the early state, underscores the tangible impact that endorsements from influential figures can have on a candidate’s standing in the race. With Sununu’s endorsement on the horizon, Haley’s campaign hopes to benefit similarly, further strengthening her position as a viable alternative to Trump and DeSantis.
Sununu’s endorsement of Nikki Haley at an upcoming rally holds immense significance for her 2024 GOP primary campaign. As Haley continues to gain momentum in the Granite State and solidify her position as a top contender, Sununu’s endorsement could provide the crucial boost needed to challenge the dominance of Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. The anticipation of Sununu’s support adds an intriguing dynamic to the evolving landscape of the 2024 GOP primary race.