LAS VEGAS (AP) — former president donald trump He won Thursday after becoming the only major candidate in Nevada's Republican presidential caucus, making it his third straight victory in the state as he seeks the party's nomination.
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, his last major rival still fighting the race, skipped the caucuses even though they are the only elections in Nevada that count toward the Republican nomination. Ms. Haley instead ran in Nevada's iconic state-run presidential primary on Tuesday, citing what she considered an unfair process that favored Mr. I fell behind in choosing “None of the above.”
If not, Trump will most likely win. All 26 state delegates. He needs to win 1,215 delegates to formally certify his party's nomination, a number he could reach in March.
The Republican campaign will shift its focus from Nevada to the South Carolina primary, which will be held in Haley's home state on February 24. Although Trump remains popular in the deeply conservative state, Haley, who was twice elected governor of South Carolina, hopes her local roots will give her an advantage. . Trump is aiming to win a large number of delegates on Super Tuesday, March 5, which would move him closer to becoming the leading Republican candidate.
Trump, who gave a brief victory speech in Las Vegas, said supporters were eager to declare victory in the upcoming South Carolina primary, despite reports of long lines forming in the western state. told.
“We lead everyone,” he said. “Is there a way to call an election next Tuesday? That's all I want.”
Trump is the front-runner, but the Nevada caucuses were seen as particularly skewed in his favor because of his strong grassroots support. In the caucuses, candidates need to take advantage of each state to win. Nevada's state party last year barred candidates from running in both primaries and caucuses, banning superpowers such as the group that was key to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' campaign before he resigned. It also limited the role of the PAC, giving him even more leverage.
Unlike caucuses, which typically require voters to attend an in-person meeting on a specific day or time, elections offer more flexibility in participation, as voting takes place most of the day on Election Day, along with absentee or early voting. can do. Nevada Republicans said they want certain rules to be in place, such as requiring participants to show government-issued identification.
Trump supporters waited in long lines Thursday. At the caucus site at a Reno-area elementary school, a line of nearly 1,000 people stretched around the corner and into the street 20 minutes after the caucus began.
People wait for caucuses to begin at Spanish Springs Elementary School in Sparks, Nevada, February 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Gabe Stern)
Voters in line, some wearing Trump hats and shirts, said they were there to support the former president in the race for the Republican Party's third consecutive presidential victory.
“I think it's important to support Mr. Trump and give him the support he needs. And to let people know that we support him,” said Heather Kirkwood, 47. .
Although Mr. Trump has long been hugely popular among Nevada Republicans, there was a perception among key figures in the party that Mr. Trump had other advantages.Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald and Nevada Republican National Committeeman Jim DeGraffenreid were among the state's six Republicans. was indicted They are charged with the felony of being so-called fake electors who sent false certification to Congress that Trump won Nevada in 2020. The Republican chairman of Clark County, the largest county where Las Vegas is located, was another of the six. So-called fake electors.
Republicans are increasingly focused on supporting President Trump. facing a flood of legal problems, which includes 91 criminal charges in four separate cases. Trump wields influence in both Congress and Congress. Republicans reject border security deal After he opposed it, and as Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel He is likely to resign within the next few weeks. After he publicly questioned whether she should stay on the job.
Trump still faces an unprecedented crisis for a major candidate.a A federal appeals panel issued its ruling this week. Trump could face trial on charges of plotting to overturn the 2020 election results, denying his claims that he will not be prosecuted.U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday heard the discussion The lawsuit seeks to block Trump from the 2024 presidential vote, citing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss. Justices seemed broadly skeptical of the effort.
