Former President Donald Trump made a triumphant return to New Hampshire on Monday, marking his first visit in two months to the state that holds the first primary and second overall contest in the Republican presidential nominating calendar. Trump’s campaign event at the Kingswood Art Center in Wolfeboro, located in the state’s lakes region, drew a sizable crowd of supporters.
While Trump’s rivals for the GOP nomination have spent more time in the Granite State, recent polls indicate that he remains the commanding frontrunner in New Hampshire. Additionally, his campaign boasts an impressive ground game, which they believe sets them apart from the competition.
“We’ve been just hammering it as far as grassroots is concerned,” said Steve Stepanek, the Trump campaign’s senior adviser in New Hampshire. The campaign has dedicated significant efforts to door knocking and phone calls, resulting in a substantial response from voters.
Trump’s stronghold in New Hampshire can be attributed to his previous victory in the state during the 2016 cycle, which propelled his journey to secure the GOP presidential nomination and ultimately the White House. However, even neutral observers acknowledge the strength of Trump’s ground game. Greg Moore, a veteran conservative activist in New Hampshire, stated that “there’s no question that Donald Trump has a robust organization here in New Hampshire.”
In addition to Trump, other candidates have also been building strong campaign operations in the state. Vivek Ramaswamy, a first-time candidate and multi-millionaire biotech entrepreneur, as well as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have been praised for their efforts. However, with only three and a half months remaining until the New Hampshire primary, late-starting campaigns face a significant challenge in positioning themselves and establishing an authentic grassroots foundation.
Moore emphasized the importance of grassroots capability, noting that candidates who rely solely on national publicity often struggle when it comes time to secure votes in the primary. Building a strong foundation and establishing robust grassroots operations are crucial for success in New Hampshire.
As the 2024 campaign trail unfolds, it will be interesting to see how candidates navigate the challenges posed by their opponents’ ground game efforts. Trump’s return to New Hampshire serves as a reminder that he remains a force to be reckoned with in the Republican primary race.
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