In a historic turn of events, the New Hampshire Republican primary witnessed a record-breaking surge as over 300,000 voters participated on Tuesday. A comprehensive analysis of election data revealed that former President Donald J. Trump secured an overwhelming victory, amassing more than 163,000 votes. This electoral feat marked a new pinnacle, surpassing the previous record held by Senator Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic race, where Sanders received 152,000 votes but ultimately lost the nomination to Hillary Clinton.

The voting surge in New Hampshire’s Republican primary, with a total exceeding 300,000 votes, underscored Trump’s influential ability to mobilize both loyal supporters and determined opposition. “This is definitely a high turnout,” said Bill Carter, a town councilor in Bedford, a wealthy suburb of Manchester. “More than we see in town and state elections.” The impressive turnout surpassed the previous high-water mark for a Republican primary, set in 2016 with over 287,000 voters. Notably, the Democrats’ 2020 contest, with more than 296,000 voters, had held the previous record for either party.

Trump’s commanding victory reflected the polarizing impact of his political style, invoking deep enthusiasm among nearly 90 percent of the MAGA segment of the Republican Party. In contrast, Nikki Haley carried about two-thirds of the non-MAGA base. “He’s picking right up where he left off in 2020, which saw the highest turnout in generations,” said Tom Bonier, a senior adviser to TargetSmart, a Democratic data clearinghouse. This divisive effect was acknowledged in an A.P./VoteCast exit poll, categorizing voters based on their alignment with Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

While New Hampshire experienced exceptionally high turnout, credited to Trump’s ongoing political influence, the state’s unique factors may have contributed to this surge. With only one competitive primary this year, the Republican contest provided the sole opportunity for over 343,000 undeclared voters to cast a meaningful ballot, given the absence of significant competition for President Biden.

Throughout the day, reports from precincts across the state indicated signs of elevated turnout, though not universal. Some towns experienced lines, while others reported lower vote counts compared to previous primaries. The election moderator in Litchfield noted a substantial post-dinner rush before polls closed, highlighting varying participation trends across different locales.

In the aftermath of Trump’s triumph, David Scanlan, the Republican secretary of state for New Hampshire, observed the high turnout and the possibility of exceeding the predicted record of 322,000 voters in the Republican primary. “I think my number’s in line, and it’s possible we’ll exceed it,” he said. The electoral dynamics showcased Trump’s enduring impact, with New Hampshire serving as an initial litmus test for his continued influence and the heightened engagement of both supporters and opponents.