In the upcoming Washington, D.C., Republican primary, Donald Trump and Nikki Haley are set to compete in what is perceived as a crucial yet modestly influential contest this Sunday.
While the District of Columbia offers only 19 delegates of the total 2,429 for the Republican National Convention, the event presents Nikki Haley with a potential opportunity to outperform the former president in one of the race’s earlier stages.
Despite Trump’s dominant performance in prior nominating contests, the D.C. primary is seen as a potentially favorable battleground for Haley, supported by insights from a senior official at SFA Fund, the primary super PAC behind her campaign.
Trump’s previous struggle in D.C. during the 2016 primaries, where he secured less than 14% of the vote, contrasts with Haley’s anticipated appeal in the urban and highly educated demographic of the city.
The voting process, concentrated at a single polling station in a downtown hotel, commenced on Friday morning and will conclude Sunday evening.
This election’s significance lies not just in the delegate count but in showcasing the diverse support within the Republican Party.
Trump’s potential victory would underscore his continued appeal across various demographics, despite his generally stronger base in rural, less-educated areas.
The uncertainty surrounding the primary’s outcome is heightened by the lack of local polling and the small Republican electorate in D.C.
Haley made a direct appeal to voters by campaigning in the city on Friday, while Trump’s presence was limited to outreach efforts via text messages to local supporters.
This primary precedes the significant Super Tuesday, where a considerable number of delegates, 874, will be contested across 15 states and one U.S. territory, marking a pivotal moment in the presidential primary race.
Meanwhile, the Democratic primary in Washington is scheduled for June, setting the stage for an intense electoral season ahead.