An In-depth Analysis of the 2024 New Hampshire Primary Elections: Candidates, Spending, and Impact

The New Hampshire primary elections, held on January 25, 2024, marked the beginning of the presidential nominating process in the United States. As the first state to hold a primary, New Hampshire offers a unique opportunity for voters to engage with candidates over an extended period. In this article, we will delve into the details of the 2024 New Hampshire primary elections, focusing on the candidates, their spending, and the impact of their campaigns on the race for the presidency.

Every four years, presidential candidates descend upon New Hampshire, seeking to connect with voters through personal interactions. Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire explained the significance of this tradition, stating, “We are used to asking them direct questions and we expect direct answers, and we make better candidates and better presidents as a result.”

Republican Primary: Trump and Haley’s Campaigns

In the Republican primary, former President Donald Trump and former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley were the remaining candidates on the ballot. However, several other candidates had already dropped out and spent money trying to win the state. According to AdImpact, an ad-tracking firm, nearly $300 million was spent in pursuit of the Republican presidential nomination, with two-thirds of this expenditure allocated to the initial two nominating states, Iowa, and New Hampshire.

The majority of this financial influx came from super PACs and external organizations. A closer look at advertising spending data reveals that the Haley super PAC significantly outpaced the Trump super PAC in expenditures on New Hampshire advertisements. The Haley campaign spent close to $30 million on boosting her campaign in New Hampshire and made over 100 campaign stops in the state. Mark Harris, a consultant with SFA Fund Inc., a super PAC that supports the Haley campaign, stated that the goal was to secure 40% or more of the votes in New Hampshire. Harris added that New Hampshire was supposed to narrow the competition for Haley.

Trump spent almost $13 million and made just 16 stops in the state. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who withdrew from the race just two days before the primary, committed significantly less time and resources in the state compared to his rivals. The former candidate spent about $8 million in New Hampshire, with no additional spending beyond Iowa.

Democratic Primary: Biden’s Write-in Campaign and Supporter Spending

For Democrats, things were different this year, as President Biden did not spend any time in the state and his name was not on the ballot. However, his supporters launched a massive write-in effort, with Biden’s allies, including Granite for America, a super PAC led by Kathy Sullivan, former chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, vigorously backing him in the state. The super PAC spent over $1.2 million on ads and mail. Democratic leaders like Rep. Ro Khanna from California and Hassan made efforts to meet voters around the Granite State, asking them to write Biden’s name on the ballot. Rep. Dean Phillips, a longshot Democratic challenger, spent $5 million of his own in New Hampshire.

Why Candidates Spend Time and Money in New Hampshire

The state’s early contest and importance in the primary race mean that many in New Hampshire can become familiar with the candidates either from television or repeated public appearances. Hassan explained, “What’s unique about New Hampshire in this capacity, we have to vet candidates in a way and give them a wide range of experiences in a small state. You don’t need a big war chest or a big entourage to make your case.”

Conclusion

The 2024 New Hampshire primary elections provided valuable insights into the candidates’ strategies, their spending, and the impact of their campaigns on the race for the presidency. The Republican primary saw significant spending from super PACs, with Haley’s campaign outpacing Trump’s efforts in New Hampshire. In the Democratic primary, Biden’s supporters launched a write-in campaign, with significant spending from super PACs and Democratic leaders. The early contest in New Hampshire offers a unique opportunity for voters to engage with candidates and make informed decisions about their preferred nominees.

As the primary season continues, candidates will focus on securing delegates and building momentum for the upcoming contests. The insights gained from the New Hampshire primary elections will undoubtedly influence the strategies of candidates and their supporters as they navigate the complex and competitive race for the presidency.