Bernie Sanders narrowly wins New Hampshire primary as Pete Buttigieg comes close second

Democratic presidential hopeful Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders arrives to speak at an event, where he claimed victory in the New Hampshire primary (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Bernie Sanders has narrowly won New Hampshire's Democratic presidential primary, solidifying his front-runner status in the nominating race to run against Donald Trump.

Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, was in second place on Tuesday night after edging out Mr Sanders in last week's chaotic and disputed first contest in Iowa.

Last night’s contest dealt a setback to moderate Joe Biden, who appeared likely to finish a disappointing fifth, but it was a good night for Senator Amy Klobuchar, who was riding a wave of momentum from a strong debate on Friday towards a third-place finish.

Mr Sanders fended off attacks from rivals who warned his far-left views would lead the party to defeat in the November 3 election against Republican president Mr Trump.

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg a primary election rally on Tuesday night (AP)

“Let me take this opportunity to thank the people of New Hampshire for a great victory tonight,” Mr Sanders told supporters in Manchester, New Hampshire, as he delivered his victory speech.

Mr Biden, the former vice president who was once the front-runner in the Democratic race, limped to his second consecutive poor finish after placing fourth in Iowa.

Democratic presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar speaks at her election night party (AP)

He is certain to face growing questions about his campaign's viability and his ability to consolidate moderate support against a surging Mr Buttigieg and Ms Klobuchar.

Mr Biden fared poorly in two previous runs for president before winning election in 2008 as President Barack Obama's Number two.

He hopes to stay afloat this time until the February 29 contest in South Carolina and a series of contests in other Southern states on Super Tuesday on March 3, where his support among African Americans will be a strength.

Without strong showings there, his race could be over.

The results began to thin the field of Democrats seeking the right to take on Mr Trump in the November 3 election, with businessman Andrew Yang and Senator Michael Bennet dropping out after it became clear they would finish well out of the running.

And CBS News reported that Deval Patrick, the former Massachusetts governor, would drop out on Wednesday.