Nikki Haley places third in Iowa, looks ahead to New Hampshire

By Callie Krosin, WEBN Reporter

A promising lead in the final polls before the Iowa caucuses was not enough for Nikki Haley, as she fell to third place in the 2024 Iowa Caucus. Haley received 19.1% of votes in the first nominating process of the 2024 election, trailing Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald J. Trump. 

Haley delivered remarks at a caucus night watch party in West Des Moines, Iowa to supporters. “We have had an amazing eleven months here in the Hawkeye State,” she said. 

Despite a hopeful second-place finish in Iowa, Haley shifted the narrative to the upcoming New Hampshire primary on January 23. Haley is expected to perform well in the Granite State. “As we head to New Hampshire, I have one more thing to say. Underestimate me, because that’s always fun, Haley said. 

“I love you Iowa, but we’re on to New Hampshire.” 

A recent Emerson College/WHDH poll from January 11 reveals 28% support for Haley in New Hampshire among GOP primary voters. Her support in the state has increased by ten points since November. “When you look at how we’re doing in New Hampshire, in South Carolina. I can safely say tonight, Iowa made this Republican primary, a two person race,” Haley said. 

In her Caucus night speech Haley made it clear she can take on President Joe Biden in a general election. She said her campaign is the last best hope of stopping the Trump-Biden nightmare. Recounting the close race between Trump and Biden, Haley said, “Look at what happens when I go against Biden.”

She is referencing recent polling such as the CBS/YouGov poll conducted January 10-12. Among likely voters, 53% would select Nikki Haley as their choice for President, while 45% would support President Biden. 

Haley will appear with New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu in two events in Bretton Woods and Rochester.