Trump 41 points above DeSantis in New Hampshire: Poll

March 9, 2023

New Hampshire primary voters showed in new state polling that former President Donald Trump has 58% support from Republicans in the state, a 41-point lead over his nearest rival Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who had 17%.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu got seven percent in the poll, and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, the only other official candidate on the list, got 6%.

It is clearly Trump's moment following a strong showing at CPAC last weekend, but how long that moment will last remains to be seen. DeSantis can expect a bump when he enters the race as he is expected to do later this year, and some voters may turn from Trump if he is indicted before the primaries.

New Hampshire is the first state to have a primary, so a strong showing for Trump could propel him on to the nomination without any serious opposition.

Because Trump was president previously, he has some of the power of an incumbency, but will not be a true incumbent in 2024 because he lost in 2020.

Trump is still quite popular with his base, but also has many detractors, so it remains to be seen whether he can hold onto enough GOP support to get the nomination.