Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump Prevail in New Hampshire Primary

This time, the projections were correct: On Tuesday evening, Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democrat Bernie Sanders were named the winners of the New Hampshire presidential primary — and they both won big.

As CNN and The Guardian noted, their victories represent a major challenge to the establishment of their parties. They also suggest that it’s going to be a long slog to the nominations.

Here’s more from The Guardian:

Sanders, the Democratic socialist senator from nearby Vermont, was headed for a commanding victory over Hillary Clinton in the New Hampshire primary, according to preliminary results from the Associated Press.

High voter turnout has helped power Trump to a possible double-digit victory that could end up matching consistent polling leads, he’s maintained since declaring his candidacy.

Although early exit numbers showed a tight race between Ohio governor John Kasich, Texas senator Ted Cruz, Florida senator Marco Rubio and former Florida governor Jeb Bush, the Associated press called second place for Kasich, with more than 40% of precincts reporting in the state’s Republican primary.

The rest of the Republican field was expected to space out as the night wore on. But early indications showed that Chris Christie, the New Jersey governor who lambasted Rubio on the debate stage last weekend, might not last long despite having banked on a strong showing here.

The Wall Street Journal relayed highlights from Sanders’ speech after the results rolled in:

“Nine months ago, we began our campaign here in New Hampshire, we had no campaign organization. We had no money. And we were taking on the most powerful political organization in the United States of America,” Sanders said to his supporters. “And tonight, with what it appears to be a record-breaking voter turnout, because of a huge voter turnout – and I say YUGE! – we won,” Sanders said, poking fun at the New York City accent he shares with Trump. The crowd had yelled “YUUUGE!” along with him.

Sanders said that the enthusiasm his supporters showed in New Hampshire could be replicated in other primaries and in a general election, with a strongly left-wing message drawing out new voters who’d be left unenthused by a centrist.

“That is what will happen all over this country!” Sanders said.

–Posted by Kasia Anderson