Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, remains determined to pursue her presidential aspirations despite a significant setback in her home state. Donald Trump emerged victorious in the South Carolina Republican primary, dealing a blow to Haley’s campaign.
A Defiant Stand
“I always said no matter what happens in South Carolina, I will continue to run for President,” Haley declared to her supporters. She emphasized her commitment to her word and her determination to fight for the presidency, even in the face of low approval ratings for both Trump and Joe Biden.
Haley refused to be disheartened by her loss and had already set her sights on Super Tuesday, which will take place on March 5. “We won’t rest until America wins,” she assured her supporters.
A Rare Defeat
Haley’s defeat in her home state is unusual for a presidential candidate. Typically, candidates either win their home states or drop out before their home state’s primary. For example, in 2016, Florida Senator Marco Rubio dropped out after losing the state’s primary on the same night.
Candidates who choose to continue campaigning after losing their home state are often seen as long shots for securing their party’s nomination. However, it is worth noting that the candidate who wins the South Carolina GOP primary has gone on to secure the party’s nomination for president in almost every election since 1980.
Trump’s Resounding Win
Donald Trump’s victory in South Carolina was projected just one minute after the polls closed, marking a decisive win for the former president. Early estimates show that Trump secured at least 44 delegates out of a total of 50 statewide. He received 60.1% of the votes with 93% of the ballots counted.
Nikki Haley, despite losing to Trump, still managed to capture a significant percentage of the votes, winning in three out of the state’s 46 counties. While her defeat in her home state is a setback, Haley remains optimistic, emphasizing that 40% of the votes is not an insignificant number.
Looking Forward
Despite Trump’s strong position in the Republican Party primary, Haley maintains her determination to continue campaigning. She insists that the race is not over until “the last person votes.” During a recent rally, she highlighted the age and perceived flaws of both Biden and Trump, stating that Americans do not want to see a rematch of the 2016 election.
Haley’s unwavering resilience sets the stage for a potentially intense competition in the coming months. As the primary season continues, all eyes will be on the candidates as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of American politics.