President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump had a strong showing in the Super Tuesday primary contests, bringing them closer to securing their respective party nominations. Both candidates won a significant number of delegates, with Biden earning at least 1,424 delegates, or 72% of the total needed for the Democratic nomination, and Trump securing a minimum of 946 delegates, or 78% of the total required for the Republican nomination.
However, despite their victories, both Biden and Trump faced unexpected challenges in certain contests, highlighting potential obstacles in uniting their parties’ loyal voters. One notable upset was Biden’s loss to political newcomer Jason Palmer in the American Samoa Democratic caucus. Palmer, an entrepreneur who has never been to the South Pacific islands, secured 50 out of the 91 votes cast, while Biden received 41.
In another surprise result, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley won the Vermont Republican primary with 50% of the vote, surpassing Trump who received only 45%. However, it was later confirmed that Haley would drop out of the 2024 presidential race and would not announce an endorsement immediately. Instead, she plans to encourage Trump to earn the support of Republicans and independent voters who backed her.
Overall, Super Tuesday showcased the dominance of both Biden and Trump in their respective parties’ primaries. Trump secured victories in states like Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia. Biden also emerged victorious in these states while also winning the Democratic race in Alabama and Utah.
Aside from the presidential race, several down-ballot contests were closely watched during Super Tuesday. One particularly significant contest was California’s Senate primary, where Democratic Representative Adam Schiff and Republican Steve Garvey secured the top two spots. This race is to fill the seat vacated by the late Senator Dianne Feinstein. Schiff’s success in deep blue California is particularly promising for him, as he will be the only Democrat on the ballot in November. California has not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since the 1960s.
Super Tuesday demonstrated the continued dominance of President Biden and former President Trump within their parties. As the primary season progresses, both candidates will aim to rally their supporters and secure the necessary delegates to officially become their party’s nominee. The unexpected results in certain contests serve as a reminder that challenges may arise along the way, requiring candidates to adapt their strategies and appeal to a wider range of voters.
