Presidential contender Nikki Haley secured a notable win in the Washington, D.C., Republican primary, marking her first triumph in the nominating process.
Edison Research reported her victory as a symbolic achievement for the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Haley clinched 62.9% of the vote, outpacing the 33.2% garnered by former President Trump.
“It’s not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos,” remarked Olivia Perez-Cubas, a spokesperson for Haley’s campaign. Haley’s win also made history as she became the first woman to claim victory in a Republican primary in U.S. history.
Despite this milestone, Haley still faces formidable obstacles in securing the Republican nomination to challenge probable Democratic nominee President Joe Biden in November.
Trump, who had dominated the initial eight nominating contests, lost to Haley in the nation’s capital. Opinions polls suggest that Trump is likely to continue his winning streak in upcoming contests.
Washington, D.C., renowned for its urban character and high percentage of college-educated residents, contrasts with Trump’s predominantly rural support base. Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaign’s press secretary, portrayed Haley’s victory as a triumph within the Washington “swamp,” emphasizing the city’s lobbyist and insider support.
Haley’s win secured her 19 delegates, a modest fraction of the 1,215 delegates required for nomination. While this victory might deflect criticism regarding her ability to win contests, her popularity in Washington may raise concerns among some Republicans who perceive the city as a symbol of elite detachment and crime.
Washington’s rejection of Trump is not unprecedented. In the 2016 Republican nominating contest, Trump received less than 14% of the vote and no delegates, despite eventually clinching the national nomination.
The upcoming Super Tuesday will witness voters from 15 states and one U.S. territory participating in the largest day of nominating contests in the presidential primary, with 874 Republican delegates up for grabs. Meanwhile, the Democratic primary in Washington is scheduled for June.
