Subscribe to receive the Inside Washington email every day, which provides unique coverage and analysis of the US directly to your inbox.
Receive our free email newsletter, Inside Washington.
Sign up for our free email newsletter, Inside Washington.
Nikki Haley, the previous governor of South Carolina, has promised to continue her pursuit of the Republican presidential nomination, despite losing the primary in her home state to former President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump won the anticipated election against Nikki Haley in South Carolina, where she was governor from 2011 to 2017. According to projections two hours after polls closed, he is expected to receive about 60% of the votes, while Haley is projected to receive around 40%. This adds to Trump’s string of primary wins and strengthens his chances of becoming the 2024 Republican Presidential nominee.
Haley addressed a gathering of followers and media personnel at her watch party in Charleston, South Carolina, only 90 minutes after the polls had closed. She vowed to stay in the competition.
Earlier this week, she stated that she would continue her campaign regardless of the outcome in South Carolina. Her supporters responded with cheers and she reaffirmed her commitment, stating, “I always keep my promises.”
She stated that she will not give up in this battle, despite the fact that a majority of Americans do not approve of either Donald Trump or Joe Biden.
The ex-governor of South Carolina also offered her congratulations to President Trump on his win.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to Donald Trump for his success. I also want to express my gratitude to the citizens of South Carolina for using their voices to make a difference,” stated Ms Haley. “Regardless of the outcome, I have a deep appreciation for the people of our state. I am proud of what we have achieved together and how we have come together during difficult times and tragedies.”
Ms Haley has previously promised to persist in her opposition against Mr Trump, despite facing multiple defeats in the primaries. Despite her loss to the “none of these candidates” option on Nevada’s ballot, the former UN ambassador remained determined heading into Saturday’s election.
On Saturday evening, Ms Haley stated that individuals should have the opportunity to make a genuine decision, rather than being limited to a single candidate in a Soviet-style election.
Earlier this week, Ms. Haley addressed her intention to continue her campaign for the presidency at Clemson University.
She informed the audience that South Carolina’s election will take place on Saturday, but she will continue to run for president on Sunday. She asserted that she will not be giving up and will continue campaigning until the last person casts their vote.
Ms. Haley experienced another loss on Saturday, although it was not as significant. Attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) conducted a survey on Saturday afternoon to determine their preferred choice for Mr. Trump’s vice president. The previous governor of South Carolina received the lowest percentage of votes, less than 5%, while her previous primary opponent Vivek Ramaswamy tied for first place with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.
In the meantime, Mr. Trump and his supporters are rejoicing.
At the celebration for Mr. Trump’s victory, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster urged everyone to remember this moment and their presence.
He stated, “This is a significant moment in the history of America. It is unlikely that we will witness another one like it in the future. Every time a rocket takes off, it ascends slowly, steadily climbing until suddenly the next stage detaches and it accelerates – just like we did, reaching maximum velocity. Will we continue to progress?”
Donald Trump responds to his victory in the South Carolina primary.
In his speech celebrating his victory, Mr. Trump expressed gratitude to Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Republican. The audience responded with a combination of applause and disapproval. Additionally, the former president showed appreciation for Michael Whatley, the North Carolina Republican Party Chair, who he endorsed as the future chair of the Republican National Committee, with his daughter-in-law Lara Trump as co-chair.
During his speech, audience members expressed disapproval by booing when Mr. Trump acknowledged South Carolina Republican Party Chair Drew McKissick.
Super Tuesday, the day when the greatest number of states hold presidential primaries, is now on the horizon. This year, 15 states and one territory will hold their primary on Tuesday, 5 March. Later, the Republican party will formally choose their candidate at the Republican National Convention, to be held in July.
Source: independent.co.uk