Nikki Haley and Donald Trump make their final push before the New Hampshire primary
EXETER, N.H. - Former President Donald Trump and Nikki Haley spent the final weekend before New Hampshire's primary on Tuesday speaking to supporters and encouraging them to get out the vote.
"I think it's the New Hampshire way. If we want to be first in the nation, we really need to do due diligence and see the candidates up close," said New Hampshire voter Eileen Kirk.
Trump is holding onto a significant lead over Haley while both candidates continue to campaign across the state. Trump was in Rochester on Sunday.
"I just want to say a very special hello to New Hampshire. It's been a very important place for me," said Trump at his rally.
And miles away, Haley spoke to supporters in Exeter.
"Since she's been running, I've just been enamored with her leadership style," said voter Tony Rivera, who takes pride in the primary and casting their ballot for the person they want to see in the White House. "What I want to hear tonight is how she will differentiate herself from Trump. It's international policy, it's a mess out there right now. We need someone that's going to provide the right leadership and I think she's got the experience."
Voters lined up inside Exeter High School waiting for Haley to take the stage just hours after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped out of the presidential race. Voters were concerned the competitive field is shrinking.
"I think that leaves the voters with not a whole lot of choice," said one New Hampshire voter.
DeSantis took to social media announcing his surrender, committing his support to Trump.
"So if it's a close race, this could be the kind of development that boosts Trump," said Chris Galdieri, a political professor at Saint Anselm College who's watching the primary closely. "You know, when a candidate gets out and says, 'Hey, if you liked me, you should vote for this other person.' A lot of those voters are going to listen."
Not every New Hampshire neighbor is participating in the Republican primary push, instead throwing unequivocal support behind President Joe Biden, hoping New Hampshire does too.
"Definitely Democrat. Everybody really needs to get out there and vote. That's what's important here," said Katie Walther.
New Hampshire voters have been on point for the last four election cycles, voting for the person who goes onto become the Republican presidential candidate.
