President Joe Biden decisively won the Nevada presidential primary, signaling strong momentum as he prepares for a potential rematch against former President Donald Trump in the upcoming general election. The victory in Nevada, announced by The Associated Press at 11:39 p.m. ET based on initial results from Washoe County, underscores Biden's dominant position within his party, capturing approximately 89% of the votes in a field with minimal opposition.
The option "None of these candidates" emerged as the distant runner-up with around 6%, while self-help author Marianne Williamson secured roughly 3% of the vote. Noteworthy was the absence of U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota from the Nevada ballot, who had opted out of the contest in the state.
This triumph in Nevada came on the heels of Biden's overwhelming victory in South Carolina's primary, where he secured about 96% of the vote, marking the Democratic Party's first official contest of the 2024 presidential primary season. Biden's back-to-back wins highlight his unchallenged status within the party as he gears up for the general election, with former President Donald Trump anticipated to be his main competitor.
Moreover, Biden's success in Nevada is expected to translate into a significant delegate lead, with The Associated Press allocating 30 of the state's 36 national convention delegates to the President as of 1:00 a.m. ET. The allocation of the remaining delegates will be determined as additional votes are counted.
The Democratic primary now turns its attention to Michigan, a key battleground state that advanced its primary date with support from Biden's camp. The Michigan primary, scheduled for February 27th, presents another pivotal moment for Democratic candidates vying for the party's nomination. Rep. Dean Phillips, who abstained from the Nevada primary, will appear on the Michigan ballot and has scheduled campaign activities in the state on February 8th.
In an unexpected turn during Nevada's presidential primary, Nikki Haley, despite not facing a significant challenger, was outperformed by the "none of these candidates" option, according to NBC News. This outcome reflects the unique dynamics at play in Nevada's primary process and underscores the diverse preferences of the state's electorate.
As the primary season progresses, President Biden's consecutive victories in South Carolina and Nevada affirm his command over the Democratic nomination process, setting the stage for the forthcoming electoral contests and the eventual face-off in the general election.
