Breaking: South Carolina primary election updates

2:35 p.m. ET, February 23, 2024

Key Highlights of Tomorrow’s South Carolina GOP Primary



Election officials direct voters during the first day of early voting at a polling station in Charleston, South Carolina, on Monday, February 12.

Allison Joyce/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump currently leads in the Republican presidential primary, with the next step being South Carolina’s primary on Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:

Candidates: The major candidates in the South Carolina GOP Primary include Donald Trump and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who also served as US ambassador to the United Nations during Trump’s presidency.

Who can vote? South Carolina’s primary is open to all registered voters, allowing participation in either the Republican or Democratic primary, not both. The Democratic primary has already taken place, with President Joe Biden emerging as the clear winner.

If Trump wins South Carolina, is the primary over? Not quite. A total of 1,215 delegates are needed to secure the Republican nomination, with only 50 delegates at stake in South Carolina. Trump currently leads with 63 delegates compared to Haley’s 17, leaving a long way to go before the nomination is secured, especially with the large number of delegates up for grabs on Super Tuesday.

Why was the Democratic primary on a different date? South Carolina’s unique practice of allowing each party to pick their primary date resulted in the Democratic primary preceding the Republican one. Historically, South Carolina has played a significant role in reviving campaigns, as seen with Biden’s victory after early setbacks in Iowa and New Hampshire in 2020.

What are the state’s demographics? With a population that is approximately 62% White, one-quarter Black, and nearly 7% Hispanic, the state is diverse. However, Republican primary voters are predominantly White, as evidenced by the lack of Black voters in previous elections.

Here’s what else to know about the South Carolina GOP Primary

**Historical Background:**
The South Carolina primary has been a crucial battleground for presidential candidates, often serving as a turning point in the race. Notable victories in South Carolina have propelled candidates towards their party’s nomination, making it a key state in the election process. With its diverse demographics and open primary system, South Carolina’s GOP primary is closely watched by political analysts and voters across the country. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this important electoral event.

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