It’s a headline that has the establishment shaking: Bernie Sanders wins New Hampshire. Sanders came in 4,000 votes ahead of South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg to edge out the victory. The win gives Sanders back to back victories in New Hampshire, as he carried the state in 2016 as well.
The win in New Hampshire coincides with Senator Sanders’ rise in nationwide polls. He has become the clear Democratic frontrunner, with Mayor Buttigieg climbing to a strong second place. Former Vice President Joe Biden has stumbled in recent weeks, suffering disappointing finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Senator Amy Klobuchar finished in third place in New Hampshire after a late surge. She has emerged as another viable moderate candidate. However, she must contend in that space with Mayor Buttigieg and Vice President Biden.
Senator Sanders has taken commanding control of the Democrat’s progressive wing. Senator Elizabeth Warren has fallen in recent weeks, which has coincided with Sanders’ rise.
Two candidates dropped out following the New Hampshire results: Colorado Senator Michael Bennet and businessman Andrew Yang. Bennet’s campaign never got off the ground, but Yang was able to gain some attention thanks to his Freedom Dividend plan. He had gained a decent online following known as the Yang Gang on the promise of giving every American $1,000 a month in what is known as a Universal Basic Income.
Next on the Democratic schedule is the Nevada caucuses on February 22nd. We are also just a few short weeks from Super Tuesday, in which several states will hold their primaries.