Nikki Haley aims for a head-to-head competition, and the independents in New Hampshire could be the key players in making that happen.

In the 2000 New Hampshire Republican primary, Danielle Brown cast her vote for John McCain, and eight years later, she supported Barack Obama in the Democratic primary. Now, she is poised to endorse former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley in the upcoming primary to convey a clear message to both major parties.

Expressing the need for fresh ideas and a new, younger generation in politics, Brown, an undeclared voter, firmly believes that Haley’s energy can bring about positive change for the country. As one of the numerous undeclared and independent voters in New Hampshire, Brown represents a pivotal segment of Haley’s support base.

Undeclared voters make up nearly 40% of the state’s electorate, with 344,335 registered as such as of Friday. Recognizing this, Haley’s campaign strategically targets both Republicans and undeclared voters, especially in areas where former President Trump underperformed in previous elections.

The outcome of the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday is crucial for Haley, as a victory could provide the momentum and financial support needed to compete in subsequent contests, including South Carolina on February 24 and the Super Tuesday states on March 5. Conversely, a loss might accelerate the consolidation of support around Trump within the Republican Party.

Despite recent endorsements for Trump from figures like Sen. Tim Scott, Haley remains undeterred. She dismisses such endorsements as Trump aligning with “Washington insiders,” emphasizing her commitment to introducing new perspectives and avoiding the establishment status quo.

Haley’s campaign strategy involves connecting with voters across the state through a series of retail stops and town hall meetings. She emphasizes the importance of small businesses in the economy and addresses various concerns, showcasing a proactive approach to engaging with the electorate.

Meanwhile, Trump is actively campaigning in New Hampshire, aiming to maintain his hold on conservative voters. He alleges that Haley is relying on Democratic and liberal crossover votes, a claim debunked by the fact that Democrats are not permitted to participate in the Republican primary.

Contrary to the narrative that Haley only appeals to moderates, her campaign asserts that conservative voters also form a substantial part of her base. While some former Trump voters express openness to supporting Haley, Trump’s influence remains strong, particularly among those critical of Haley’s foreign policy views and perceived deviations from conservative principles.

Haley, however, positions herself as an alternative to both Trump and President Biden. She underscores her electability in a general election and presents herself as the candidate best suited to prevent either Trump or Biden from securing a second term. Recent polls indicate a competitive race between Haley and Biden in a hypothetical general election matchup.

In response to attacks from the Trump campaign regarding her stance on Social Security, Haley sets the record straight, highlighting Trump’s previous support for raising the retirement age. She vows to counter misinformation with truth, emphasizing the need to move beyond personal drama and vindictiveness.

As the New Hampshire primary approaches, undecided voters like Nancy Protzmann see Haley as a candidate capable of blocking Trump’s return to the presidency. Protzmann’s decision reflects a desire for positive change and an aversion to both Trump and Biden, illustrating the complex dynamics at play in the lead-up to the primary.