SEABROOK, N.H. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis concluded his waning presidential campaign on Sunday, throwing his support behind Donald Trump just two days before the critical New Hampshire primary. This move leaves former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley as the final long-shot contender for the Republican nomination against Trump.
DeSantis' decision comes shortly after his disappointing defeat to Trump in Iowa, despite a significant investment in the state. This marks a dramatic decline for DeSantis, who was once viewed as the Republicans' most promising alternative to Trump leading up to the November general election.
Reuters is reporting the exit of DeSantis sets the stage for the much-anticipated one-on-one showdown that Haley has sought against Trump, the former president who maintains a strong hold on the Republican electorate despite facing four criminal prosecutions. Trump has pleaded not guilty in all these cases.
However, the shift in DeSantis' supporters is expected to lean towards Trump rather than the more moderate Haley. In New Hampshire, approximately two-thirds of DeSantis backers identify Trump as their second choice, according to Andrew Smith, director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.
Undeterred by the competition, Haley navigated past the remnants of DeSantis' campaign and pressed forward. "Boy," exclaimed Nikki Haley as the sun set on the coast and on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, "are things changing fast." Her supporters erupted in cheers as Haley forged ahead without looking back.
Addressing the crowd inside a local lobster pound on a bitter and raw Sunday, Haley acknowledged DeSantis' exit. "I want to say to Ron, he ran a great race," she said. "He’s been a good governor, and we wish him well." Continuing with determination, she added, "Having said that, it’s now one fella and one lady left."
With those words, the former ambassador to the United Nations turned away. While DeSantis' departure injected renewed vigor into the Haley campaign, he was not the obstacle. Polling at just above 6% in the state when he abruptly withdrew, DeSantis ensured Haley a second-place position. She lags behind former President Trump by more than 17 points in the Granite State, according to the RealClearPolitics Average.
The New Hampshire Primary is Tuesday.
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