The South Carolina GOP Primary is heating up as former President Donald Trump and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley go head-to-head for the Republican nomination. As the polls close across the state, here are the key things you need to know about this crucial primary race.
The Candidates:
The major contenders in this primary are Donald Trump and Nikki Haley. Trump, who is currently the front-runner, is aiming for his third straight presidential election nomination. Haley, on the other hand, is a former South Carolina governor and served as the US ambassador to the United Nations during a portion of Trump’s presidency.
Who Can Vote?
South Carolina’s primaries are open, meaning any registered voter can participate in either the Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. The Democratic primary already took place earlier in February, which saw President Joe Biden secure an easy victory.
GOP Primary Front-Runner:
Despite Nikki Haley’s status as a former governor of the state, pre-primary polling has consistently shown Trump as the clear leader in South Carolina. Trump has garnered support from over 60% of GOP primary voters in recent polls, significantly outpacing Haley, who has hovered around 30%. While Trump has held rallies in the state, a substantial portion of his campaigning has been conducted from courtrooms in New York, Washington, DC, and Florida, where he faces various criminal prosecutions. Additionally, he was recently ordered to pay $355 million in a civil fraud case.
Implications of a Trump Victory:
If Trump wins the South Carolina primary, it does not guarantee him the nomination just yet. To secure the Republican nomination, a candidate needs a total of 1,215 delegates. With only 50 delegates up for grabs in South Carolina, Trump currently holds the lead with 63 delegates compared to Haley’s 17. This means there is still a long way to go before the nomination is decided, with the largest number of delegates at stake on Super Tuesday, which falls on March 5th.
State Demographics:
According to the 2020 Census, South Carolina is approximately 62% White, 25% Black, and nearly 7% Hispanic. However, it is important to note that the Republican primary voters in the state are predominantly White. In the 2016 South Carolina primary, when Trump secured over 32% of the vote, only about 1% of GOP primary voters were Black.
As the South Carolina GOP Primary unfolds, all eyes are on Trump and Haley as they battle for the Republican nomination. With Trump’s strong lead in pre-primary polling and Haley’s previous role as governor, this race is shaping up to be an intense showdown. While South Carolina has historically played a significant role in the nomination process, the ultimate outcome will depend on the upcoming Super Tuesday, where a large number of delegates will be up for grabs. Stay tuned as the race unfolds and the future of the Republican Party hangs in the balance.
