DeSantis battles ‘novice’ tag during New Hampshire campaign tour.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Former President Donald Trump Compete for New Hampshire Voters

On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and former President Donald Trump will make competing appeals to New Hampshire voters, as they position themselves as the top two contenders for the 2024 GOP race. Both candidates are eager to win over voters ahead of next year’s first-in-the-nation primary election.

Similar to Iowa’s caucusgoers, the New Hampshire electorate will test DeSantis’s interpersonal skills as he faces off against Trump, the current front-runner. Trump has held dueling events in the past, and now DeSantis must prove himself in the same way as he did when he launched his campaign last month in Iowa.

DeSantis’s Challenge in New Hampshire

DeSantis is the only GOP candidate, aside from Trump, who is polling in the double digits. However, he trails the former president by 22 points in New Hampshire, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average. Operatives in the state believe that DeSantis will need to establish himself early in the contest if he hopes to challenge Trump.

Former New Hampshire Attorney General and Republican National Committee member Thomas Rath emphasizes the importance of retail politics skills in New Hampshire. The state’s voters take pride in vetting contenders, and DeSantis has yet to demonstrate these skills. Rath suggests that incumbent governors often struggle with this, as they become accustomed to state police clearing the way for them.

Rath believes that DeSantis is perceived by New Hampshire voters as “the nonindicted Trump” rather than having his own identity. He also points out that the governor’s feud with Disney may hinder him in a state where families frequently visit Orlando. Rath advises DeSantis to listen to his New Hampshire supporters and learn the ropes of campaigning in the state.

The DeSantis Campaign’s Response

The DeSantis campaign disagrees with Rath’s assessment, stating that the governor has been working tirelessly to reach every primary voter in New Hampshire. They have a strong organization in the state to support this effort and are confident that DeSantis’s message will resonate with voters.

DeSantis’s super PAC, Never Back Down, has been responsible for much of the governor’s grassroots organizing. While they cannot coordinate with the campaign, they have been successful in turning votes to DeSantis through their canvassing efforts.

Supporters and Critics Weigh In

New Hampshire House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, who has endorsed DeSantis, praises the governor for his detailed policy proposals. He believes that DeSantis offers clear, achievable solutions instead of empty promises.

Noncommitted New Hampshire political operative Matt Bartlett defends DeSantis, acknowledging that running for president has a steep learning curve. He believes that the governor is becoming more comfortable and driven with each visit, which will appeal to independent voters who make their decisions based on personal connections and electability.

However, New Hampshire University political science professor Dante Scala suggests that DeSantis’s success will depend more on his national standing than his standing in the state. Trump has a significant advantage among GOP voters nationwide, and DeSantis may have a better chance of gaining support in Iowa, where the electorate is more conservative.

The Campaign Trail

DeSantis has been actively campaigning across the country, making stops in various states before returning to New Hampshire this week. Trump, on the other hand, is headlining events in New Hampshire, including the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women’s Lilac Luncheon and the opening of his campaign’s state headquarters in Manchester.

Former U.N. Ambassador and presidential candidate Nikki Haley is also hosting events in New Hampshire, further adding to the competition for voters’ attention.

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