The Republican Primary was held on Jan. 15, and Iowans chose Donald Trump as their pick, however, where does this leave other candidates? Primary polls showed 51 percent of registered Republicans in Iowa voted for Donald Trump. The primary also resulted in Vivek Ramaswamy dropping out from the race, as well as Ron DeSantis days after on Jan. 21. Both former candidates endorsed Donald Trump. Succeeding the former president is Nikki Haley winning over 19 percent of Iowan’s votes. New Hampshire followed Iowa, with Donald Trump taking the lead once again with 54.6 percent of votes, and Nikki Haley with 43.2 percent. Although there will be a few contests before, South Carolina will be the next major competition between the candidates. The primary will be held Feb. 24. Michigan’s primary will be held three days later on Feb. 27.

Nikki Haley is a new candidate this year with more conservative key values. Opposing abortion rights, open borders, the expansion of Medicaid, and also planning to reduce debt nationwide, Haley is gaining delegates. Senior Nick Bennett who had the opportunity to meet Haley said, “I liked Nikki Haley, she doesn’t talk bad about other candidates, and her agenda is aligned with my own.” Bennett also added that her modernism separates her from other candidates. “I think modernism is what will benefit the country most right now,” said Bennett. Another main value that separates Trump and Haley is where they stand on issues like abortion rights. Haley, who opposes abortion laws, wants it banned completely across the United States whereas Trump said in an NBC 1999 interview he is “pro-life, but I believe in choice.”

If you are a new voter or are soon to be, make sure to consider all factors of your preferred candidates. Your right to vote is important, and a major responsibility as a United States Citizen.

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What Is a Primary Election?