In the latest Emerson College Polling survey, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has made notable headway in the run-up to the 2024 Republican Presidential Nomination.
Christie now edges past Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, with 9% of New Hampshire Republican Primary voters expressing their support for Christie’s 2024 bid. Meanwhile, DeSantis, once seen as the prominent alternative to Donald Trump, has seen his backing dip to 8%.
The shift indicates an evolution in the Republican field dynamics. Spencer Kimball, Executive Director of Emerson College Polling, commented, “DeSantis has been the alternative to Trump in Emerson polling this presidential cycle. This is the first time we have seen DeSantis drop out of second place in our polling, and fall back into the pack of candidates.”
Nevertheless, former President Donald Trump continues to dominate the preference among New Hampshire’s Republican Primary voters.
Forty-nine percent favor Trump for the 2024 nomination, maintaining a significant lead over all other candidates.
The poll also noted that support for DeSantis among middle-aged adults has dwindled. Only 4% of voters between the ages of 30 and 49 express support for the Florida Governor. In contrast, 56% from the same age bracket back Donald Trump.
On the Democratic front, 65% of primary voters plan to support President Joe Biden in 2024, followed by Robert Kennedy Jr. with 12% and Marianne Williamson with 4%. Nineteen percent remain undecided.
In a speculative 2024 matchup between Biden and Trump, Biden takes the lead with 48% in New Hampshire, while Trump follows at 41%.
This presents a seven-point lead for Biden, a notable improvement since March, where the margin was just four points.
This Emerson poll reflects the shifting sands of the political landscape and emphasizes the importance of New Hampshire’s role as an early indicator in the Presidential primary process.
In other polls, Christie has previously polled in the 0-2% range.