Haley is devastated.
Former President Donald Trump secured victory in the Republican primary race in South Carolina, triumphing over Nikki Haley, the former governor of the state. The Associated Press declared Trump the winner shortly after the polls closed, relying on data collected from a survey of Republican primary voters in South Carolina.
According to The New York Times, with 60% of the votes tallied, Trump garnered 60.1% of the vote, while Haley trailed with 39.3%. Former candidate Ron DeSantis, who had withdrawn from the race prior to the primary, received a mere 0.4%.
Following his win, Trump delivered a speech where he expressed optimism about the state of the nation, remarking on the unprecedented unity within the Republican Party. He vowed to address pressing issues and restore order, emphasizing the exceptional spirit he perceived among the electorate.
In contrast, Haley, addressing her supporters, congratulated Trump on his victory while maintaining skepticism about his ability to defeat Democratic incumbent Joe Biden in the general election. Despite her defeat, Haley affirmed her commitment to continuing her campaign, rejecting the notion of quitting and emphasizing her determination to fight for her convictions.
Trump’s previous successes in the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire Primary had already solidified his frontrunner status, prompting key rivals like Vivek Ramaswamy and DeSantis to suspend their campaigns and endorse him. DeSantis, in endorsing Trump, criticized Haley’s representation of old-guard Republicanism, aligning himself with Trump’s vision for the party’s future.
Trump, in his post-victory remarks, reiterated his commitment to reshaping the political landscape and promised a resounding triumph in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, Haley remained steadfast in her resolve, portraying herself as an underdog fighting for principles larger than herself.
Addressing supporters at a rally in Greenville, South Carolina, Haley emphasized her perseverance and commitment to the campaign, rejecting the notion of taking the easy way out and framing herself as a fighter against entrenched interests. Like David facing Goliath, Haley portrayed herself as battling for a cause greater than personal ambition, reaffirming her determination to continue the fight until the last vote is cast.
