The South Carolina GOP Primary: Key Things to Know
The Candidates
The major candidates in South Carolina’s primary include former President Donald Trump and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Trump, the current front-runner, has been aiming to secure the Republican nomination for the third straight presidential election. Haley, who also served as US ambassador to the United Nations, poses as Trump’s top rival.
Who Can Vote?
South Carolina’s primaries are open to any registered voter. Voters can choose to participate in either the Republican primary or the Democratic primary, but not both. The Democratic primary, won easily by President Joe Biden in February, has already taken place.
Who has been Ahead in the GOP Primary?
Despite Haley being the former governor, Trump has emerged as the clear leader in pre-primary polling. Recent polls show Trump garners the support of over 60% of GOP primary voters, whereas Haley has managed to hover around 30%. Trump has been actively campaigning, although much of it has been conducted from courtrooms in New York, Washington, DC, and Florida, where he faces a series of criminal prosecutions. Moreover, he was also ordered to pay $355 million in a civil fraud case last week.
If Trump Wins South Carolina, is the Primary Over?
No, not technically. Securing the Republican nomination requires a total of 1,215 delegates for Trump or any candidate. With just 50 delegates at stake in South Carolina, Trump currently leads with 63 delegates, while Haley has 17. There is still a long way to go, with the largest pot of delegates up for grabs on Super Tuesday, March 5.
State’s Demographics
Based on the 2020 Census, South Carolina is approximately 62% White, about one-quarter Black, and nearly 7% Hispanic. However, the Republican primary voters overwhelming represent the White population. In 2016, when Trump won the South Carolina primary with over 32% of the vote, Black voters accounted for a mere 1% of the GOP primary electorate.
Key Resources
For further information about the South Carolina GOP Primary, click here.
