Former President Donald Trump has secured a decisive victory in the South Carolina Republican presidential primary, defeating Nikki Haley in her home state and solidifying his dominance in the early voting states. This victory, in a state where Haley served two terms as governor, has effectively ended the race, despite Haley’s insistence on continuing her campaign.
Trump’s victory in South Carolina, one of the most conservative states in the country, was anticipated. The state has consistently supported Trump in previous elections. A CNN exit poll revealed that over 40% of primary voters identified with the MAGA movement, and about 80% identified as conservative. Only a third of respondents recognized President Joe Biden as the rightful winner of the 2020 election.
While Trump and Biden have already shifted their focus to the general election campaign, Haley’s decision to continue her campaign has been a source of irritation for Trump. The former president is working to consolidate his control over the GOP political machinery.
Despite Trump’s significant lead in most polls, there are still some unresolved issues. The main question is how many delegates Haley can secure. South Carolina awards most of its delegates to the statewide winner, but also allocates delegates to the winner in each of its seven congressional districts. CNN projected late Saturday night that Haley will win the state’s 1st Congressional District and its three delegates.
The Race Accelerates
The contest is now shifting gears. The slow progression through the early voting states has concluded, and the primary has become a national race. By March 12, 56% of the delegates to the Republican National Convention will have been awarded. In most states, Republican delegates are winner-take-all, which means Haley will not benefit from strong second-place finishes. With Haley yet to secure a win, Trump could potentially clinch the nomination within weeks.
Trump’s Grip on the GOP
Trump’s victory in South Carolina, Haley’s home state, underscores the significant transformation within the GOP over the past decade. The majority of Republican voters are firmly behind Trump, and his appeal to voters is largely due to the very aspects of his personality that make establishment Republicans uncomfortable.
Haley’s Uncertain Future
Haley’s path to challenging Trump for the Republican nomination has become increasingly narrow. With her campaign announcing a tour through Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado, and Utah, and investing in television and digital advertising targeting Super Tuesday states, Haley remains hopeful. However, whether she can secure any victories and pose a serious challenge to Trump in the delegate race remains uncertain.
Tim Scott’s Potential VP Nomination
The most significant outcome of South Carolina’s primary might be the close relationship Trump has developed with his former 2024 GOP primary rival, Sen. Tim Scott. Scott’s recent actions, including campaigning with Trump and urging Haley to withdraw from the race, may be positioning him as a potential vice presidential nominee.