LAS VEGAS (AP) — In an unexpected turn of events, ABC News has projected that the ballot option “None of these candidates” is set to claim victory in the Nevada Republican primary, defying conventional political forecasts.
With 57% of the anticipated Republican vote counted across the state, “None of these candidates” holds a commanding lead with 60% of the vote, amounting to 26,038 votes.
In contrast, Nikki Haley trails significantly with 33% (14,328 votes), followed by Mike Pence with 4% (1,793 votes), and Tim Scott with a mere 1% (543 votes).
The absence of former President Donald Trump from the ballot has undoubtedly influenced the dynamics of this primary race.
The gap between “None of these candidates” and Haley has widened by nearly 15 points since the initial GOP results, indicating a notable shift in voter sentiment.
Despite the setback, the Haley campaign refrained from directly addressing the loss to “None of these candidates,” instead releasing a statement suggesting that the primary was tilted in favor of Trump.
“Even Donald Trump knows that when you play penny slots the house wins. We didn’t bother to play a game rigged for Trump. We’re full steam ahead in South Carolina and beyond,” the campaign’s statement asserted.
While both Haley and Trump opted out of participating in the primary, the upcoming GOP caucuses on Thursday, where Trump is on the ballot, are expected to secure him the state’s 26 delegates for the GOP nomination.
Trump’s directive to his supporters not to engage in the primary further underscores his sway within the Republican ranks.
The disparity between the two contests stems from Nevada Republicans’ decision to retain their caucuses instead of adopting a new primary format, as mandated by recent state legislation.
On the Democratic side, President Joe Biden appears poised to secure victory in the primary over contenders such as author Marianne Williamson.
With 71% of the anticipated Democratic vote tallied, Biden commands a substantial 90% share (76,202 votes), while the “None of these candidates” option captures 6% (4,789 votes), and Williamson garners 3% (2,117 votes).
The significance of Nevada as a crucial swing state in the 2024 election cannot be overstated, especially considering its narrow support for Biden in 2020.
The state’s electoral trajectory has drawn considerable attention, with both Biden and Trump actively engaging in campaign efforts.
During a recent rally in North Las Vegas, Biden took aim at Trump and his supporters, accusing them of sowing division rather than unity.
In response, Trump labeled Biden as the “real threat,” affirming his commitment to advancing his agenda.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Nevada primaries offer insights into broader trends shaping the electoral landscape, highlighting the intricate interplay of personalities, policies, and partisan dynamics leading up to the 2024 election.