President Biden wins South Carolina Democratic primary, AP projects

In a resounding victory reminiscent of his 2020 triumph, President Joe Biden clinched the South Carolina Democratic primary on Saturday, as confirmed by The Associated Press shortly after polls closed. The President expressed gratitude to the voters, acknowledging their pivotal role in revitalizing his campaign during the previous election.

Addressing the significance of the win, President Biden emphasized the stakes in the upcoming election, characterizing it as a mission for the good of the nation. With a projected sweep of all 55 delegates in South Carolina, he edges closer to the 1,968 delegates needed to secure the Democratic nomination.

Notably, the primary showcased Biden’s commanding lead, with over 96% of the votes in his favor, effectively surpassing his 2020 primary total. Despite claims of lower enthusiasm from challengers like Dean Phillips, Biden remains optimistic about the road ahead, citing positive polling trends and urging a united front against divisive forces in the country.

South Carolina proved pivotal for Biden in 2020, marking a turning point after setbacks in earlier primaries. His recent win reflects continued support, reinforced by strategic campaigning efforts, including visits from Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

The President’s commitment to the state was underscored by a proposal to reshuffle the Democratic primary calendar, prioritizing South Carolina. Harris, campaigning at a historically Black institution, highlighted the accomplishments of their administration while taking aim at the presumed November opponent, former President Donald Trump.

Looking ahead, President Biden is set to rally in Las Vegas before the Nevada primary on Tuesday, coinciding with the Republican contest. Meanwhile, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley faces a challenging GOP primary in South Carolina, according to recent polls.

As the Democratic primary unfolds, the President’s decisive victory in South Carolina solidifies his position and sets the stage for a potential rematch against Trump in November, promising an intense and closely-watched election season.