South Carolina Democratic Party chair Christale Spain expressed disappointment that Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson did not show up ahead of the presidential primary. However, President Biden has emerged victorious in South Carolina’s 2024 Democratic presidential primary, according to the Associated Press. The news agency projected Biden’s win just 23 minutes after the polls closed.
This outcome was widely expected, as Biden was the clear frontrunner against his two long-shot Democratic primary challengers, Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota and Marianne Williamson, a best-selling author and spiritual adviser. In a statement following the projection, Biden expressed gratitude to the voters of South Carolina, who had also played a significant role in his 2020 presidential campaign.
South Carolina’s primary carries particular weight due to the state’s significant Black voter population, which holds considerable influence in state Democratic politics. Recognizing this, Biden strategically placed South Carolina at the forefront of the Democratic National Committee’s nominating calendar, which traditionally starts with Iowa and New Hampshire.
Four years ago, Biden experienced setbacks after poor performances in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary. However, he rebounded with a second-place finish in Nevada’s caucuses, followed by a resounding victory in the South Carolina primary. This success propelled him to secure the Democratic Party’s nomination and eventually win the presidency.
The decision to prioritize South Carolina in the nominating calendar was seen as a gesture of gratitude from Biden to Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina and the state’s voters for their pivotal role in his election. Additionally, the move aimed to empower minority voters, whom Democrats have historically relied on but at times taken for granted.
While Iowa and New Hampshire adhered to their traditional positions on the calendar, South Carolina’s prominence was recognized by the DNC. Biden’s absence from the New Hampshire primary did not hinder his success, as he still garnered over 60% of the vote through a well-organized write-in effort.
South Carolina Democratic Party chair Christale Spain emphasized the significance of the state’s new leadoff position, noting that it allowed Black voters, rural voters, and southern voters to have their voices heard first in the nomination process. Vice President Kamala Harris also highlighted the importance of South Carolina’s role as the first primary in the nation, rallying support for Biden and urging voters to make their voices heard.
As Biden seeks a second term in the White House, his victory in the South Carolina primary solidifies his support among Black voters and underscores the Democratic Party’s commitment to acknowledging and valuing their contributions. National party chair Jaime Harrison emphasized that Biden’s presence in the primary was a powerful signal to Black voters across the nation that they are seen, heard, and matter to the Democratic Party.
Overall, President Biden’s triumph in the South Carolina Democratic primary serves as a significant milestone in his re-election campaign, securing the support of Black voters and reinforcing his commitment to inclusivity and representation within the party.
