President Biden’s victory in the South Carolina Democratic primary underscores the crucial role of Black voters in the party’s electorate. With strategic campaigning and a focus on diverse communities, Biden’s triumph sets a promising tone for his reelection bid.
In a landmark moment for the Democratic Party, President Biden emerged victorious in the South Carolina Democratic primary, marking the inaugural official nominating contest for the party. Confirming Biden’s win, The Associated Press highlighted the anticipated outcome for the incumbent president, underscoring the importance of the primary in signaling the party’s commitment to engaging Black voters.
Biden Triumphs in South Carolina
Biden’s advocacy for rearranging the party’s calendar bore fruit as South Carolina’s primary took precedence over those in Iowa and New Hampshire. Despite not being a state traditionally expected to lean Democratic in the general election, the decision to elevate its primary reflects the party’s acknowledgment of the pivotal role played by Black voters in shaping electoral outcomes.
Reflecting on the victory, Biden stated, “When I was elected President, I said the days of the backbone of the Democratic Party being at the back of the line were over. That was a promise made and a promise kept. Now, you are First In The Nation.”
The primary ballot included contenders beyond Biden, such as Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., and author Marianne Williamson, adding diversity to the Democratic field and amplifying the voices within the party.
Biden’s successful turnaround in South Carolina during the 2020 election served as a strategic focal point for his reelection bid. With approximately 60% of the Democratic electorate in South Carolina comprising black voters, Biden recognized the importance of connecting with this demographic. Expressing gratitude for their pivotal support in 2020, Biden emphasized the significance of South Carolina in shaping his path to the presidency.
Viewing South Carolina as a launching pad for his reelection campaign, Biden and his team invested significant resources in the state in the lead-up to the primary. Engaging with voters through unconventional venues such as barbershops and historically black churches, Biden underscored his commitment to connecting with diverse communities. Vice President Harris also played a pivotal role, making strategic appearances, including a speech at a historically black college, while First Lady Jill Biden attended events targeting historically black organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
Josh Marcus-Blank, the Biden campaign’s communications director for state operations, highlighted the campaign’s recognition of the necessity of securing strong support from voters of color. This emphasis aligns with polling data indicating Biden’s lower approval ratings among younger and nonwhite voters. Analysts are closely monitoring voter turnout as a potential signal of whether Biden’s message is resonating within these demographic groups.
Despite the potential overanalysis of primary results, Terrance Woodbury of HIT Strategies, a group researching black voter attitudes, cautioned against drawing broad conclusions. He pointed out that primary elections primarily attract party faithful, which may not be fully representative of the broader group of black voters pivotal to Democrats’ success in battleground states like Georgia and North Carolina.
2024 PRIMARIES AND CAUCUSES
South Carolina Results
MOST RECENT RESULTS
President
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
99% of results in
CANDIDATE Joe Biden
PERCENT 96.2%
VOTES 126,350
CANDIDATE Marianne Williamson
PERCENT 2.1%
VOTES 2,726
 CANDIDATE Dean Phillips
PERCENT 1.7%
VOTES 2,239
As the Democratic primary season unfolds, Biden’s triumph in South Carolina serves as an early affirmation of his connection with black voters and sets the stage for a dynamic and competitive electoral journey ahead.