President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have emerged victorious in all of their respective party contests in Virginia, a key state that holds 48 delegates for the Republican primary and 99 delegates for the Democratic primary. The primaries were held on March 5, 2024, as part of the Super Tuesday phenomenon, when multiple states hold their presidential primary contests on the same day.
Biden defeats Marianne Williamson and Dean Phillips
On the Democratic side, Biden defeated Marianne Williamson and Rep. Dean Phillips to win the Virginia primary. Biden received 87% of the votes, while Williamson received 9.7% and Phillips received 3.3%. Biden’s victory was seen as a boost for his reelection campaign and a sign of his strong support among Virginia voters.
Trump beats Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis
On the Republican side, Trump beat Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis to win the Virginia primary. Trump received 60.8% of the votes, while Haley received 37.2% and DeSantis received 1.1%. Trump’s victory was seen as a testament to his enduring popularity among Republican voters and a challenge to Biden’s presidency.
Virginia’s significance in the 2024 presidential race
Virginia is among the many states holding their presidential primary contests on Super Tuesday, the primary date when a candidate can win many delegates to their respective party convention. Virginia has 13 votes in the Electoral College, making it a crucial state for both parties. Virginia was also in the spotlight in 2021, with a high-profile gubernatorial race won by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and then again in 2023 legislative elections largely seen as a referendum on Youngkin’s term and on issues such as abortion access.
Super Tuesday results across the nation
Virginia was not the only state that held its presidential primary contests on Super Tuesday. A total of 14 states and one territory voted on March 5, 2024, accounting for 40% of the total delegates for both parties. The results were as follows:
- For the Democrats, Biden won 10 states and the District of Columbia, while Williamson won 3 states and Phillips won 1 state. Biden secured 1,024 delegates out of the 1,357 available, while Williamson got 212 delegates and Phillips got 121 delegates. Biden now has 1,538 delegates out of the 2,382 needed to clinch the nomination, while Williamson has 312 delegates and Phillips has 181 delegates.
- For the Republicans, Trump won 13 states, while Haley won 1 state. Trump secured 1,021 delegates out of the 1,276 available, while Haley got 255 delegates. Trump now has 1,321 delegates out of the 1,276 needed to clinch the nomination, while Haley has 355 delegates.
What’s next for the presidential race?
The presidential race is now entering a crucial phase, as the candidates prepare for the next round of primaries and caucuses. The next major date is March 10, 2024, when 6 states will hold their contests, including Michigan, Missouri, and Washington. The candidates will also face off in several debates, town halls, and rallies, as they try to persuade the voters and win their support.
The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and polarized in recent history, as Biden and Trump seek to defend their records and visions, while Williamson and Haley try to offer alternative choices to the voters. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the future of the country and the world.
