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With the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire primary results in, the 2024 election season is well underway. President Joe Biden secured victory in New Hampshire through a write-in campaign, while the Republican Party is still deliberating its presidential candidate. Former President Donald Trump emerged victorious in both Iowa and New Hampshire, setting the stage for a highly anticipated contest in the upcoming South Carolina primary. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Democratic and Republican primaries in the Palmetto State.
Key Dates:
- Democratic Primary: Saturday, Feb. 3
- Republican Primary: Saturday, Feb. 24
South Carolina operates with an open primary system, allowing voters to cast their ballots for any candidate of their choice, irrespective of party affiliation. However, participants cannot vote in both the Democratic and Republican primaries.
Delegate Allocation:
- Democratic Primary: The winner will receive South Carolina’s 65 delegates.
- Republican Primary: The victor will secure the state’s 50 delegates.
Democratic Candidates:
Major contenders on the Democratic ticket include:
- Joe Biden: The incumbent president is on the ballot after being absent in New Hampshire due to disputes between local officials and the DNC.
- Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn.: A prominent figure in the Democratic field.
- Marianne Williamson: An author and political activist.
Republican Candidates:
Key figures on the Republican ticket include:
- Donald Trump: The former president, securing victories in Iowa and New Hampshire.
- Nikki Haley: Former South Carolina governor and a formidable contender in her home state.
- Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy: Despite ending their campaigns, they may still appear on the ballot.
The South Carolina primaries hold significant weight in shaping the trajectory of the presidential race. The outcomes will determine delegate allocations and influence candidates’ momentum as they head into subsequent contests. With an array of candidates across both parties, the Palmetto State’s electorate plays a pivotal role in narrowing down the field.
As the nation anticipates the South Carolina primaries, political enthusiasts are eager to witness the unfolding dynamics of the 2024 election. The contests in this pivotal state will be crucial in gauging the strength of candidates and their potential to secure the party nominations. The open primary system allows for a diverse range of voices to shape the outcomes, making South Carolina a pivotal battleground in the road to the 2024 general election.