Washington, DC – Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley achieved a significant victory in the Republican presidential primary, marking her first win in the race. The primary took place over three days at a downtown hotel in the nation’s capital. This win for Haley comes at a crucial moment as the GOP primary gears up for Super Tuesday, with former President Donald Trump leading the pack in earlier nominating contests.
Haley’s success in Washington, DC, was seen as a strategic move given Trump’s solid support in the city’s GOP and the opportunity it presented for her to secure a primary win. Despite Trump’s previous win in the capital’s primary in 2020, Haley’s victory was not unexpected, with many believing that she had a strong chance in this particular location. The former governor’s campaign made a clear statement of confidence by holding an event with local GOP leaders ahead of the primary.
Following Haley’s win, her spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas highlighted the significance of Haley being the first woman to win a GOP presidential primary. The Trump campaign, however, attempted to downplay Haley’s victory by framing it as a reflection of the president’s anti-establishment message. According to Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president’s campaign remains focused on “draining the swamp” and prioritizing America’s interests.
Looking ahead, Washington, DC is not expected to play a significant role in the general election, as it has historically favored Democratic candidates. With Biden winning the city in 2020 with a strong majority, it remains a stronghold for the Democratic party. Despite this, Haley’s victory in the Republican primary showcases her ability to garner support in key locations and positions her as a formidable candidate in the race for the GOP nomination.