In New Hampshire, the gap between former President Donald Trump and his Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley appears to be narrowing.
While Trump appears to be dominant in Iowa, where the first primary is taking place next month, Haley appears to be benefiting from the more moderate electorate in New Hampshire.
The former United Nations ambassador now has 29 percent support in a survey of likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire, according to a new CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday. That's behind Trump's 44 percent but ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' support at 11 percent.
According to New Hampshire residents, Trump appears to be standing out for his leadership skills. However, Haley describes the former president as the “most likable” or “reasonable.”
About 55 percent said Haley was likeable, compared to Trump's 36 percent. About 51 percent described the former South Carolina governor as reasonable, compared to 36 percent for Trump.
In New Hampshire, the gap between former President Donald Trump and his Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley appears to be narrowing. Here they are seen deliberating before a meeting during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2017 in New York
Haley overtakes other GOP candidates when voters are asked who is the most “sensible.”
Haley does even better when voters are asked to decide who is the most “likeable.”
The CBS News poll also puts Haley almost on par with Trump when it comes to “preparedness,” which is perhaps surprising considering Trump has been president before.
Overall, Trump and Haley win the majority of support in New Hampshire – DeSantis is just 1 point ahead of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
Christie, the only remaining anti-Trump candidate, has focused all his attention on winning the New England state and has not yet set foot in Iowa to campaign.
DeSantis saw a sharp drop in poll numbers during New Hampshire's primary season, most likely because many Republican voters in New Hampshire are not as socially conservative as the Florida governor.
Haley's campaign is particularly focused on her electability, positioning her as Trump's most promising challenger.
Haley was one of the rare survivors of the Trump administration and left with her reputation intact. Trump accepted her resignation in October 2018
A series of endorsements and strong debate performances have seen Haley gain momentum and narrow the gap with Trump
Polls suggest Haley is making good progress among self-identified moderates and independents, closely competing with Trump among those demographics.
Haley — who has expressed more moderate social views, including on abortion — was able to overtake DeSantis in New Hampshire.
The former South Carolina governor also made significant gains among those who described themselves as more moderate or independent.
Trump has won the GOP primary in New Hampshire twice but lost the state in his two general elections.
The Jan. 23 election marks New Hampshire's second primary, and the state's moderates and independent voters appear receptive to candidates who offer something different than Trump.
Despite his refusal to participate in the debates, Trump remained in first place in all national and statewide polls in the Republican primary.
In New Hampshire, Donald Trump still leads with 44 percent support and there are less than 40 days until the primary election – but Nikki Haley has moved into second place with 18 percent, ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
Haley has moved into second place in New Hampshire, closing the gap on Donald Trump, trailing the former president by just 15 percent
DeSantis has seen a decline in New Hampshire as Republicans no longer identify as strongly with his socially conservative agenda. But in Iowa, DeSantis is still a solid second place ahead of Haley
Numbers released Sunday show there is still a chance for other candidates to close the gap before the Iowa caucuses begin on Jan. 15.
In Iowa, Trump still leads the field of likely caucus participants with 58 percent support, followed by DeSantis at 22 percent and Haley in third place at 13 percent, the CBS poll conducted Dec. 8-15 shows.
In Iowa, about 45 percent of likely caucus voters say they are considering Trump and other candidates. While 30 percent say they are only considering Trump.
The poll surveyed 1,054 registered voters in Iowa and 85 in New Hampshire.