On a significant day for presidential contenders, Nikki Haley, a Republican in the race for the presidency, notched up her first win by securing the Washington DC Republican primary on Sunday. This marks a symbolic victory for Haley, who previously served as the US ambassador to the United Nations.
Haley, the main rival to former President Donald Trump, garnered 62.9% of the votes, outshining Trump’s 33.2%. While this triumph awards her 19 delegates, it’s just a small step toward the 1,215 delegates needed to secure the Republican nomination and face off against likely Democratic nominee, President Joe Biden, in November.
Despite her victory, Haley faces formidable challenges in her bid for the nomination. Trump had dominated the initial eight nominating contests but stumbled in Washington DC. However, the former president is anticipated to regain momentum in future contests, according to opinion polls.
Washington DC, being entirely urban and with a higher percentage of college-educated residents, stands in contrast to Trump’s rural-focused support base, known for lower educational attainment. The city is also home to many federal workers, a group Trump’s allies have pledged to overhaul if he returns to power. The area has faced increased tensions, with some federal workers receiving death threats in recent years.
Nikki Haley’s win, though a positive development for her campaign, only secures a small portion of the necessary delegates. Critics may argue that her popularity in Washington, often portrayed negatively by Republican leaders, doesn’t necessarily reflect broader appeal. The prevailing narrative among many Republicans, led by Trump, paints the city as crime-ridden and controlled by detached elites.
Notably, this isn’t the first time the capital’s Republicans have rejected Trump. In the 2016 competitive Republican nominating contest, Trump received less than 14% of the vote and no delegates.
Looking ahead, Tuesday brings a crucial moment in the race with Super Tuesday, where voters in 15 states and a US territory will participate in the most significant day of nominating contests in the presidential primary. A total of 874 Republican delegates are up for grabs.
The Democratic primary in Washington DC is slated for June, adding to the unfolding drama of the 2024 presidential race.
