Haley met with enthusiasm as DeSantis suspends campaign

This is a joint project between Nexstar Media Group and Syracuse University.

SEABROOK, N.H. (NEXSTAR) – Haley supporters crammed into Brown’s Lobster Pound Sunday to catch a glimpse of the Republican presidential candidate days before the primary.

Like the lobsters, the Haley campaign has picked up steam across the state, making multiple appearances in quaint diners and hosting rallies each day. According to voters, the effort has paid off.

“I only found out two hours beforehand. So I’m like, oh my god, really? She’s up the street? Because we come here a lot,” Susan Perrault said.

Perrault, 55, is a resident of Salisbury, Massachusetts, and has never voted in a presidential election. Perrault, an independent, never saw how her vote could matter in a general election, but decided to cast her vote for Haley. She decided to support Haley from her appearances on televised debates, and jumped at the chance to see her in person.

Perrault was attracted to Haley’s youth and vibrancy, and said she never considered voting for DeSantis.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu once again introduced Haley to the energetic crowd. He was interrupted multiple times with rounds of applause and shouts of encouragement from the audience.

“This is a two person race. We’ve always said it’s building on that momentum coming out of Iowa, and New Hampshire is what moves this thing forward,” Sununu said.

As Haley prepared to speak, a chant began.

“Nikki! Nikki! Nikki!” echoed through the small venue, a testament to the growing enthusiasm among Haley voters.

Haley responded with a quip about cheering that through every neighborhood and addressed the news announced mere minutes before.

“We just heard that Ron DeSantis has dropped out of the race, and I wanna say to Ron you’ve run a great race, you’ve been a good governor, and we wish him well. Having said that, it’s now one fella and one lady left,” Haley said.

The palpable energy in the room seemed to rub off on potential voters. Perrault, who was persuaded by Haley’s persistent campaigning across the state, felt inspired.

“I’m more excited now. Now, I’m really like, I’m ready. You know, I’m ready,” Perrault said.

Andie Vigliotti is a junior digital journalism and international relations student at Syracuse University and has interned at WAER.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.