Sioux City, Iowa - Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is making strides in the race against former President Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican primary, with a recent poll indicating her growing support in New Hampshire. The CNN poll, conducted by the University of New Hampshire, revealed that Haley has reduced Trump's lead to single digits, with her garnering 32% of the vote compared to his 39%. This seven-point margin signifies a significant cut from the previous University of New Hampshire poll, where Haley trailed by 19 points.

Haley's recent gains can be attributed to several key endorsements she received over the past month. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu and Americans for Prosperity Action, backed by billionaire GOP donor Charles Koch, have thrown their support behind Haley, boosting her credibility in the critical primary state. Political experts interpret this surge in support as a sign that Haley is emerging as the primary alternative to Trump.

Of particular note is Haley's success among undecided voters, a crucial demographic in the independent-minded state of New Hampshire. The polls indicate that 43% of undeclared voters now back Haley, representing an 18-point increase since November and the highest level of support among all candidates. Experts attribute Haley's appeal to undeclared voters to Governor Sununu's endorsement, given his strong popularity among this segment of the electorate.

Undeclared voters, who make up nearly 40% of New Hampshire's electorate, have the option to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary. The fact that 45% of undeclared voters plan to participate in the GOP primary bodes well for Haley's chances. This figure, if realized on January 23, would be historic in the context of a New Hampshire GOP primary.

However, experts caution against oversimplifying the impact of undeclared voters, noting that many conservatives among them will still support Trump. Dave Carney, a veteran GOP strategist based in New Hampshire, stressed that while undeclared voters are often referred to as "independents," they include a significant number of conservatives who remain loyal to Trump.

To secure the nomination over Trump, Haley will need to make substantial gains not just in New Hampshire but also in other key states. Trump currently leads in Iowa, where voters will make their decision next week, as well as in Haley's home state of South Carolina, where he enjoys support from 51% and 53% of voters, respectively, according to FiveThirtyEight.

Although Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis are competing for a distant second place in Iowa, it remains to be seen whether any candidate can mount a viable challenge against Trump.

In recent campaign stops in New Hampshire, both Sununu and Haley downplayed expectations for their performances in the Midwest state. While Sununu predicted a strong second-place finish for Haley in Iowa, acknowledging that Trump was the likely winner, he emphasized that Iowa results have historically had little impact on New Hampshire's outcome.

However, an underwhelming performance in Iowa could negatively affect Haley's overall campaign. Carney warned that failing to meet expectations in Iowa would be detrimental to Haley's perception and momentum.

Despite the challenges, there are indications that Haley's message, which emphasizes broadening the Republican Party's appeal to a more diverse electorate, resonates with moderate voters in Iowa. At a recent town hall, a lifelong Democrat expressed her support for Haley, stating that while she aligns with President Joe Biden on policies, she finds him too old to be president. She revealed her intention to caucus for Haley and even suggested a potential switch to the Republican ticket if Haley becomes the GOP nominee in 2024.

As the primary race continues, all eyes will be on Haley as she seeks to further close the gap with Trump and solidify her position as the main challenger in the 2024 Republican primary.