Closing summary
Predictions that Donald Trump would triumph over Nikki Haley in South Carolina’s Republican primary bore out, with the former president swiftly declared the winner in the fourth state to vote in the GOP’s presidential nomination process. He cheered his victory as a “great day”, and predicted victories in Michigan and the pivotal Super Tuesday primaries on 5 March. Despite her loss, Haley vowed to stay in the race, saying Trump could not beat Joe Biden in the November general election.
Here’s what else happened this evening:
Lindsey Graham, South Carolina’s Republican senator, was booed by the crowd when Trump summoned him to the podium at his victory speech. So was the state’s Republican party chair.
Trump mused about bringing forward the date of the November general election, something he said was done “in certain countries”.
Haley accused Trump and Biden of being more interested in fighting each other than uniting the country.
Exit polls conducted by CNN show that most Republicans opted for Donald Trump, while independents leaned towards Haley:
CNN exit polls in South Carolina:
— Ryan Struyk (@ryanstruyk) February 25, 2024
Republicans:
73% Trump
26% Haley
Independents:
54% Haley
43% Trump
Trump also appears to have maintained the support of the state’s evangelical voters:
CNN exit polls in South Carolina primary:
— Ryan Struyk (@ryanstruyk) February 25, 2024
White evangelical Christians:
75% Trump
24% Haley
Everyone else:
51% Haley
49% Trump
And among the GOP electorate, belief in Trump’s debunked claims of fraud in the 2020 election were widespread:
Do you think Biden legitimately won in 2020 via @CNN exit polls in South Carolina primary:
— Ryan Struyk (@ryanstruyk) February 25, 2024
33% yes, legitimately won
65% no, not legitimate
