NEWFIELDS, N.H. — For the first time in 24 years, Republicans are aiming to clinch a victory in the historically Democratic stronghold of New Hampshire. The last time a Republican presidential candidate won the swing state was back in 2000 when then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush secured the win. But with recent polls showing a tight race in New Hampshire and President Biden’s lackluster performance in the recent debate against former President Trump, Republicans are feeling optimistic about their chances.
Steve Stepanek, a senior Trump adviser in the state, expressed confidence in their ability to win New Hampshire, stating, “I firmly believe that New Hampshire is very much in play.” However, Kathy Sullivan, a former Democratic National Committee member, disagreed, emphasizing that New Hampshire has traditionally not been favorable to Trump and that the current dynamic between Biden and Trump remains unchanged.
The campaign spotlight has largely focused on key battleground states, but Trump’s team has set their sights on flipping blue-leaning states like Minnesota and Virginia. Recent polls have shown a shift in favor of Trump, with Michigan moving from “Leans Democrat” to “Toss-up” and Minnesota shifting from “Likely Democrat” to “Leans Democrat.” In New Hampshire, a survey suggested that Trump was leading Biden by a slim margin, signaling a battleground state.
Despite the close race, Democrats hold a significant advantage in ground-game operations in New Hampshire. The Biden re-election team and state Democratic coordinated campaign have established 14 field offices across the state, compared to Trump’s single field office. While Democrats emphasize their robust grassroots campaign infrastructure, Republicans are banking on the enthusiasm of Trump supporters to drive turnout.
The issue of ground-game operations has sparked a debate between the two parties, with Republicans claiming to have a strong turnout strategy while Democrats question the follow-through. Sullivan, a top Biden surrogate, highlighted the Democrats’ early start in the write-in Biden effort that boosted the president’s victory in New Hampshire’s primary. She also mentioned reaching out to moderate to conservative Republicans who may oppose Trump’s threat to democracy.
As the battle for New Hampshire heats up, both parties are gearing up for a fierce competition. With Trump gaining momentum in the polls and Biden working to regain his footing after a lackluster debate performance, the outcome in New Hampshire remains uncertain. The state, once considered a Democratic stronghold, is now a battleground where every vote counts.
