DeSantis falls to fourth place behind Christie and Haley in New Hampshire: Poll
Gov. Ron DeSantis Losing Ground in Key Battleground States
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), once seen as a formidable challenger to former President Donald Trump, is facing a decline in popularity in crucial battleground states like New Hampshire. Recent polls show that DeSantis is now trailing behind not only Trump but also other candidates.
A new poll from 7News/Emerson College reveals that only 7% of voters would support DeSantis in the 2024 GOP primary, a significant drop from his 17% support in March. Surprisingly, even former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has struggled to gain traction in most GOP battleground states, has surpassed DeSantis with 9% support.
Christie’s Popularity Remains Steady, DeSantis Falls Behind
While Christie’s popularity in New Hampshire has remained relatively unchanged over the past few months, DeSantis’s decline into single-digit polling behind Christie is a troubling sign for the Florida governor. It seems that DeSantis’s campaign may be losing momentum.
Considered a long-shot candidate, Christie has managed to scrape by in the polls, barely meeting the donor and polling requirements to participate in the Republican National Committee debates. On the other hand, DeSantis, who comfortably met the RNC’s requirements, is now struggling to maintain the momentum he initially had in his campaign to challenge Trump.
Now, strategists and polls indicate that former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley has emerged as the most viable candidate to defeat Trump in the Republican primary. Haley has consistently polled in second place in most early primary states, experiencing a significant surge in popularity in New Hampshire from 6% in March to 18% in the latest poll.
“For the last year, we’ve been looking at a Ron DeSantis/Donald Trump race, and now it looks like Nikki Haley is the alternative instead of Ron DeSantis at this point,” said Spencer Kimball, 7News/Emerson College pollster.
Biden vs. GOP Candidates: Who Stands a Chance?
When it comes to a hypothetical matchup between President Joe Biden and the Republican candidates, the polls reveal interesting insights. In New Hampshire, Biden leads DeSantis by 46% to 38%, with 17% undecided.
Among the GOP candidates, Trump comes closest to Biden’s lead in New Hampshire, with Biden at 47% and Trump at 42%. However, when third-party candidates Cornel West and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are included, the race tightens, with 40% supporting Biden and 37% supporting Trump.
Interestingly, Haley is the only Republican candidate who would beat Biden in a head-to-head contest in New Hampshire, with a 45% to 39% advantage. She has also been successful in attracting donors from her Republican rivals, including some who previously supported DeSantis.
“Yet another poll showing Nikki Haley is the best challenger to beat both Donald Trump and Joe Biden,” said Ken Farnaso, spokesman for Haley. “Voters are rallying to Nikki’s strength and toughness while others continue to sink in the polls.”
DeSantis has also lost major donors to Christie since August, further adding to his campaign’s challenges.
The Washington Examiner reached out to both Christie’s and DeSantis’s campaigns for comment.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
How has Governor DeSantis’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida affected his popularity?
E that DeSantis’s decline in popularity could be attributed to several factors. One major factor is his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. While DeSantis initially received praise for his approach, which focused on keeping the economy open, recent surges in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the state have led to criticism of his leadership.
Critics argue that DeSantis’s reluctance to implement stricter measures, such as mask mandates and vaccine passports, has contributed to the spike in cases. They believe that his prioritization of the economy over public health has eroded trust and support among voters, particularly in key battleground states where the pandemic remains a major concern.
Furthermore, DeSantis’s alignment with former President Trump could also be playing a role in his declining popularity. While Trump remains a popular figure among the Republican base, his divisive rhetoric and controversial actions have caused some voters to distance themselves from him. As a staunch ally of Trump, DeSantis may be facing backlash from moderate and independent voters who are looking for a candidate with a more inclusive and balanced approach.
In addition to these challenges, DeSantis is also facing competition from other Republican contenders who have gained traction in key battleground states. For example, former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Ted Cruz have seen an increase in support in recent polls, while DeSantis’s numbers have faltered. This suggests that voters are considering alternative candidates who they believe can provide stronger leadership and a more compelling vision for the future.
It is important to note that the 2024 GOP primary is still years away, and a lot can change between now and then. However, DeSantis’s current decline in popularity in key battleground states should serve as a wake-up call to his campaign. In order to regain momentum and generate support, he will need to address concerns about his handling of the pandemic, present a clear and inclusive vision for the future, and differentiate himself from Trump in a way that appeals to a broader base of voters.
The road ahead for Gov. Ron DeSantis may be challenging, but it is not insurmountable. With strategic adjustments and effective messaging, he still has an opportunity to regain ground and position himself as a strong contender in the 2024 GOP primary. The next few months will be crucial for DeSantis as he works to rebuild his support and convince voters that he is the right candidate to lead the Republican Party into the future.
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