In a familiar turn of events, South Carolina, historically influential in Joe Biden’s political trajectory, has delivered the president his inaugural primary victory for the 2024 campaign.
Projected by CNN, Biden surpassed his closest competitors, Rep. Dean Phillips and author Marianne Williamson, securing all 55 delegates at stake. This outcome mirrors the state’s crucial role in propelling Biden to the Democratic nomination in 2020.
South Carolina’s prominence has been accentuated in the current election cycle as it assumes the lead in the official Democratic nominating calendar, a shift primarily influenced by Biden’s advocacy.
The state’s historical significance was acknowledged by Biden, who, in a statement from Los Angeles, attributed his path to victory to the South Carolina electorate.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) reshaped the nominating calendar, sidelining Iowa and New Hampshire in response to criticism that their predominantly white electorates did not represent the diverse Democratic base.
Despite Iowa accepting the changes and opting for a mail-in caucus, New Hampshire resisted and held an independent Democratic contest alongside the Republican primary, resulting in a loss of delegates for non-compliance.
Biden’s strategic focus on South Carolina is part of a broader effort to consolidate support among Black voters, a crucial demographic for his re-election prospects. The state, traditionally leaning Republican in general elections, plays a pivotal role in demonstrating strength with diverse constituencies, particularly Black voters. This emphasis aligns with Biden’s broader electoral strategy, crucial in battleground states like Georgia and the “blue wall” states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
As Biden secures a resounding victory in South Carolina, the 2024 Democratic primary signals a return to the state that reshaped his political destiny in 2020, showcasing the enduring influence of this Southern stronghold.