President Biden Emerges Victorious in South Carolina Democratic Primary, Securing All 55 Delegates
In a significant boost to his re-election campaign, President Joe Biden has emerged as the winner of the South Carolina Democratic primary. This victory comes as no surprise, considering the pivotal role that South Carolina played in reviving his struggling 2020 campaign. Defeating two long-shot candidates, Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips and self-help author Marianne Williamson, President Biden is estimated to secure all 55 pledged delegates at stake in the primary.
The South Carolina primary is particularly crucial as it serves as the first official Democratic nominating contest of 2024. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) made the decision to move the primary ahead of Iowa and New Hampshire, disregarding a longstanding New Hampshire law that traditionally requires the state to hold the first presidential primary in the nation. Consequently, President Biden’s name did not appear on the New Hampshire ballot. However, he still won the primary as a write-in candidate. Unfortunately, due to New Hampshire’s defiance of the DNC’s primary calendar, President Biden will not receive any delegates from the Granite State.
While President Biden’s victory in South Carolina may have been expected, it is still being closely watched as a litmus test of his support among Black voters. In 2020, the overwhelming support from this demographic played a pivotal role in resurrecting his campaign after lackluster finishes in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. Addressing his supporters, President Biden stated, “As I said four years ago, this campaign is for everyone who has been knocked down, counted out, and left behind. That is still true today.”
During his campaign trail in South Carolina leading up to the primary, President Biden acknowledged the significance of the state’s voters in propelling him to the White House. “The truth is, I wouldn’t be here without the Democratic voters of South Carolina, and that’s a fact,” he expressed on January 27. “If you ever doubt the power to change America, you are the reason I am president.”
The South Carolina Democratic primary was open to all registered voters in the state, regardless of party affiliation. This inclusivity allowed for a broader representation of the electorate, ensuring that the voices of all South Carolinians were heard. However, voters who cast their ballot in the Democratic primary will not be eligible to vote in the Republican primary later in the month.
Looking ahead, the Republican South Carolina primary is scheduled for February 24. Former President Donald Trump will face off against Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and former South Carolina governor. While Haley is familiar to the state’s voters, South Carolina’s conservative primary electorate is expected to heavily favor Trump. Early voting for the Republican primary begins on February 12 and ends on February 22.
The discrepancy between the dates of the Republican and Democratic primaries can be attributed to the decisions made by the national parties, as well as state laws. The Democratic National Committee adjusted its primary calendar for 2024, moving South Carolina to be the first contest due to its racially diverse electorate. Despite New Hampshire’s defiance of the DNC’s decision and its insistence on holding its primary in January, President Biden declined to appear on the ballot. In previous election cycles, South Carolina has been fourth in Democrats’ nominating contest lineup, coinciding with the GOP primary. However, this year, the Republican National Committee has maintained the same order as past elections, following Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada.
President Biden’s victory in the South Carolina Democratic primary serves as a significant milestone in his re-election campaign. As he secures all 55 delegates at stake, his support among Black voters is reaffirmed. This success is a testament to his resilience and ability to connect with voters across different demographics. With the Republican primary on the horizon, the political landscape in South Carolina continues to be dynamic and captivating. Only time will tell how the upcoming contest will unfold and its implications for the 2024 presidential race.
