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Less than 24 hours ago, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie formally bowed out of the 2024 presidential election. Christie announced at this point in the race, he didn't want to do anything to make it easier for former President Trump to secure the Republican Party's nomination. Amid his exit, Christie also urged Republicans not to vote for Trump or allow him to have power in the GOP going forward. With the former New Jersey governor bidding this presidential race farewell, speculations about which of the remaining candidates will get his voters have begun. According to recent polling, GOP hopeful Nikki Haley seems most likely to carry Christie's supporters, especially in New Hampshire.

A major boost for Haley ahead of New Hampshire's primary

Recent surveys show the former South Carolina governor making notable headway in the Granite State. Driving Haley's momentum is the endorsement she received from New Hampshire's Gov. Chris Sununu. During Christie's presidential campaign, he also spent extensive time in this state, making his case to voters. Despite only carrying 12% support from the GOP electorate, 65% of Christie backers chose Haley as their next-favored candidate. On top of this, yet another poll reveals 48% of voters who backed Christie favor Haley as the next best contender. At this time, the former New Jersey governor has yet to make any endorsements of the remaining candidates. If Haley is able to pick up Christie's New Hampshire backers, while also keeping her own supporters, she could very well win the state's primary on January 23.

More on Haley's presidential campaign

Last night, the former South Carolina governor debated fellow GOP rival Ron DeSantis in Iowa. The two sparred over one another's records, policies, and viability to win the Republican Party's nomination. Wednesday's debate between Republican candidates additionally marked the final one before Monday's Iowa caucuses. In the Hawkeye State, DeSantis has the endorsement of Gov. Kim Reynolds. Poll-wise, he and Haley remain neck-in-neck. On social media, the Haley and DeSantis campaigns have both picked up their criticisms of each other. Earlier today, the former South Carolina governor's social media team also shared content of her campaigning in Ankeny, Iowa with supporters.