Republican presidential candidates mostly overlook New Hampshire in an effort to blunt Trump in Iowa

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In the current presidential race, New Hampshire, which once offered a platform for moderates, mavericks, and underdogs in the political arena, seems to have lost its significance. This state’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary has historically been a place where candidates like John McCain, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter made their mark. However, this year, both Democratic and Republican candidates are largely sidelining New Hampshire.

Democratic officials have chosen to prioritize South Carolina over New Hampshire, firmly backing President Joe Biden. On the Republican side, the crowded field is directing its resources and attention towards Iowa, believing that the support of religious conservatives in the Midwestern state is crucial to thwarting former President Donald Trump’s quest for the GOP nomination.

Iowa has become the center of attention, hosting multiple candidate gatherings and events, while New Hampshire has been relatively quiet. This shift towards Iowa began as the national GOP moved further to the right in recent years. However, as New Hampshire’s influence diminishes in 2024, it raises doubts about whether there will be an opportunity for a serious contender to challenge Trump in a state known for political upsets.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a prominent anti-Trump Republican in the race, is one of the few GOP candidates actively campaigning in New Hampshire. He believes that the Republican nominee cannot solely rely on Trump’s base to win the general election against Biden.

Despite Trump’s dominance in the race, some New Hampshire Republican officials are openly critical of him and are actively supporting alternative candidates. They see an opportunity for a new generation of conservative leadership to emerge.

This evolving dynamic between Iowa and New Hampshire highlights the tension within the Republican Party, which must appeal to both its conservative base and moderates and independents crucial in the general election. While Iowa’s caucuses tend to attract the most conservative Republican voters, New Hampshire’s open primary allows participation regardless of party affiliation.

Some New Hampshire voters, like Marc Colcombe, are looking for a nominee who can bridge divides and foster relationships, but they are concerned about the lack of a viable alternative to Trump. However, most of the Republican candidates are currently investing their time and resources in Iowa, leaving New Hampshire in the background.

The spending disparity on advertising between the two states is significant, with Iowa receiving more attention from Republican candidates. Notable figures like former Vice President Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are actively engaging with Iowa voters.

While some candidates, like Nikki Haley, are dividing their time between Iowa and New Hampshire, others like Ron DeSantis are increasingly focusing on Iowa as they strive to gain momentum in the race. Despite this shift, some candidates, like Vivek Ramaswamy, maintain a presence in both states.

Despite the focus on Iowa, there is still a lingering resistance to Trump in New Hampshire. However, some political strategists remain skeptical about the prospects of Trump’s rivals in the 2024 election, emphasizing the former president’s enduring popularity within the party.

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More about Presidential Campaign Strategy

• Iowa Caucuses Explained
• New Hampshire Primary
• Chris Christie’s Campaign
• GOP Shift to the Right
• Spending Disparity in Campaign Advertising
• Republican Candidates Engaging with Iowa
• Nikki Haley’s Campaign Strategy
• Skepticism About Trump’s Rivals