Republican nominee contender Nikki Haley has demanded to go head-to-head with former US President Donald Trump in a Republican debate in New Hampshire. Haley, who is in a dead heat with Trump in the state, called off the debate after Trump sat out the previous five debates. She stated that she would only appear at other hustings if Trump was on stage with her. ABC News, the host of the debate, canceled it after both candidates refused to commit by the deadline. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who had agreed to participate, accused his rivals of snubbing New Hampshire voters. Haley's ratings have surged since the Republican debates began, and she has focused her resources on New Hampshire to gain early momentum in the race. A recent poll showed a seven-point bounce in her support, putting her level with Trump at 40 percent each. DeSantis, polling in the low single digits, claimed that Haley was more interested in self-advancement than becoming the Republican presidential candidate. The Trump campaign, including Donald Trump Jr., has previously dismissed the idea of selecting Haley as a running mate. ABC News confirmed the debate cancellation, stating that it was contingent on the candidates and the outcome of the race. Trump won a landslide victory in Iowa, winning more votes than all of his rivals combined. DeSantis managed to see off a late surge from Haley, but she remains ahead of him in New Hampshire and South Carolina. In a speech after the Iowa caucuses, Haley declared that the contest was now a "two-person race," taking a swipe at DeSantis and challenging Trump. Recent polls have shown Haley within striking distance of Trump in New Hampshire, giving hope to her campaign. New Hampshire's electorate is less religiously conservative and less rural than Iowa, factors that helped Trump in the caucuses. If Haley and DeSantis cannot capitalize on these differences, Trump's momentum could make the rest of the Republican primary calendar a formality. Haley has sought to build a wide coalition of voters and has focused on New Hampshire as a springboard to the contest in her home state primary in South Carolina. Independent voter Kristen Mansharamani expressed support for Haley, stating that she was looking for someone who could eliminate political standstill and polarization. Haley launched a statewide television ad in New Hampshire, criticizing both Trump and Biden. ABC News canceled a Republican presidential debate in New Hampshire after only DeSantis agreed to participate. Haley announced that she would not participate in future debates unless Trump or Biden also participated. Trump has refused to participate in any debates, citing his lead in national polls and status as a former president. Haley finished third in the Iowa caucuses and faces pressure in New Hampshire, where polls show her within striking distance of Trump. She has accused Trump of avoiding his opponents, while DeSantis has criticized her for not taking more questions and scrutiny.