In the 2024 New Hampshire primary, held on Tuesday, the electorate expressed discontentment with the state of affairs in the country, focusing on issues such as the economy and immigration. According to CBS News exit polling, approximately one in five voters made their decisions in the final days leading up to the primary, while the majority had already chosen their preferred candidate.

Compared to the Iowa caucuses, the primary electorate in New Hampshire displayed a more moderate and independent outlook. Republican primary voters voiced dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation and the economy. Early exit polls showed that about a third of New Hampshire Republican primary voters were angry about the country's direction.

Additionally, an air of pessimism prevailed among voters regarding the future of the next generation of Americans. More than half of the respondents believed that life for the upcoming generation would worsen rather than improve. This sentiment contrasts with the findings from eight years ago when a majority of GOP primary voters expected a better future for the next generation.

Concerns over the economy fueled much of this pessimism, as most voters held negative views regarding the nation's economic situation. While six out of ten voters believed their family finances were holding steady, few felt that they were making progress.

The top issues that influenced New Hampshire primary voters revolved around the economy and immigration, mirroring the concerns of Iowa GOP caucus goers. Notably, immigration played a significant role, particularly among supporters of former President Trump. It is worth mentioning that while President Biden and the Democrats have been focusing on the issue of abortion in the lead-up to the general election, it did not rank as a top concern for Republican primary voters in New Hampshire.

Interestingly, New Hampshire's GOP electorate appeared divided on whether Trump would be fit for the presidency if convicted of a crime, with a higher level of concern compared to Iowa. As Trump faces mounting legal challenges, Republican primary voters in New Hampshire expressed more apprehension regarding his ability to serve as president if he were to be found guilty. In contrast, in Iowa, 65% of Republican voters believed that Trump would still be fit for the presidency even if convicted of a crime.

Trump supporters overwhelmingly maintained that he would remain fit for office, while the majority of Haley voters disagreed, arguing that a conviction would render him unfit. Underpinning these differing opinions is the belief held by a significant portion of New Hampshire's electorate that Joe Biden legitimately won the 2020 election. This contrasts with Iowa, where two-thirds of Republican caucus goers did not perceive Biden as the legitimate winner.

The New Hampshire primary results shed light on the concerns and priorities of the state's electorate as they cast their votes. With an unhappy electorate, a struggling economy, and immigration at the forefront, it is evident that these issues will continue to shape the political landscape as the 2024 election cycle unfolds.