Nikki Haley has won the Republican presidential primary in Washington, DC, marking her first victory in the primary. Despite this win, Former President Donald Trump continues to dominate in other early nominating contests. Haley’s victory in DC is seen as a strategic but unsurprising win, reflecting a break from Trump by Republicans in the capital. The historical context shows a longstanding struggle for Republicans in Washington, DC, dating back to when Richard Nixon managed a little more than 21% of the vote in 1972.
Main Points
Haley wins DC GOP primary
Nikki Haley wins the DC GOP primary, marking her first victory in the primary races.
Rejection of Trump in DC
Haley’s win reflects rejection of Donald Trump by Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction.
Trump's expected continued dominance
Despite the victory, Trump’s dominance in the GOP is expected to continue.
GOP's struggle in Washington, DC
The GOP’s historical struggle in Washington, DC, is highlighted by Biden’s overwhelming victory in 2020.
Insights
Nikki Haley's victory in the DC GOP primary is significant.
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley will win the Republican presidential primary in Washington, DC, according to CNN projects. This marks her first victory in the primary.
Donald Trump maintains a strong presence in GOP primaries, despite not winning in DC.
Former President Donald Trump has dominated every other early nominating contest and is expected to gain more delegates on Super Tuesday.
The DC GOP primary victory is both strategically important and unsurprising to many.
Many in Washington believed the District represented Haley’s best, and perhaps only, chance to win a primary.
The GOP's relationship with Washington, DC, is historically weak.
The District has never supported a Republican presidential candidate, and Biden won it in 2020 with more than 92% of the vote.