Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is adjusting his strategy ahead of the New Hampshire primary, opting to concentrate efforts on South Carolina after a presumed setback in the Granite State. DeSantis, who secured a distant second-place finish in Iowa, recognizes the challenging political landscape in New Hampshire, where polls indicate significant support for Donald Trump and Nikki Haley. This strategic shift follows criticism of DeSantis for allocating most of his resources to Iowa and sidelining New Hampshire.
Acknowledging a Tough Battle in New Hampshire
The decision to de-emphasize New Hampshire in the final days before its primary reflects an acknowledgment by DeSantis and his campaign that the state poses a formidable challenge for him. Despite initial interest from conservative Republican activists, DeSantis struggled to gain traction, particularly among the more moderate-leaning independents who play a significant role in the state’s GOP primary.
Recent polls underscored DeSantis’ single-digit standing in New Hampshire, trailing behind both Donald Trump and Nikki Haley. A Suffolk University/Boston Globe/NBC10 Boston survey showed DeSantis with only 5 percent support, while a Saint Anselm poll put him at 6 percent. These figures, coupled with his focus on South Carolina, indicate a strategic pivot away from New Hampshire.
Decamping to South Carolina
DeSantis’ decision to largely bypass New Hampshire is seen as a tactical move to avoid a significant defeat and direct attention to a more favorable political environment. By redirecting efforts to South Carolina, DeSantis aims to leverage his military service and environmental record to resonate with voters in the Palmetto State. However, the move raises the stakes for DeSantis in South Carolina, where he currently trails in third place.
The DeSantis campaign has criticized Nikki Haley, asserting that she should exit the race if she fails to secure a victory in her home state. The governor’s spokesperson, Andrew Romeo, emphasized taking the fight to Haley on her home turf, positioning the campaign to outlast her.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite challenges in New Hampshire, some DeSantis supporters believe there is an opportunity for him, especially with the departure of other candidates like Chris Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy. The campaign is hopeful that DeSantis can attract voters who were initially aligned with candidates critical of Trump, making a case for strategic longevity.
However, political analysts caution that success in South Carolina is crucial for DeSantis to remain a viable contender. Failure to win there might spell the end of his campaign, especially considering the dominance of Trump in the state’s primary. The decision to de-emphasize New Hampshire suggests a realistic approach by the DeSantis campaign, recognizing the need to strategically navigate the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party.
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