Nikki Haley scores first primary win, challenging Trump's streak
Based on data from Edison Research, the former U.S. Ambassador to the UN secured 62.9 percent of the vote, compared to Donald Trump's 33.2 percent. This victory nets her the support of 19 delegates at the national Republican Party convention, a step toward the 1,215 needed for the nomination.
1:33 AM EST, March 4, 2024
The Associated Press noted that Haley's win serves to temporarily interrupt Trump's string of victories in the nomination race. Nevertheless, the former president is positioned to gain several hundred more delegates during the upcoming "Super Tuesday," which will see 15 states and 1 U.S. territory casting their votes, with a total of 874 delegate votes available.
Trump has dominated all eight previous primaries, and predictions suggest he will likely continue to do so in upcoming contests.
Haley, speaking ahead of the District of Columbia primary, affirmed her commitment to continue her campaign regardless of the immediate outcomes.
Despite a setback, Trump maintains a substantial chance for the nomination
According to Reuters, the District of Columbia's entirely urban makeup and its relatively high proportion of residents with advanced education contrast sharply with Trump's core support base, which largely emanates from smaller, less-educated communities.
The Washington area's high concentration of federal employees could face significant layoffs and replacements with loyalists should Trump win the November election, his supporters have suggested.
Trump's performance in the District during the 2016 primaries, where he received just 14 percent of the votes and no delegates, did not impede his progression to clinch the national victory and the Republican nomination.
