Former President Trump will win South Carolina’s presidential contest, according to a projection from Decision Desk HQ, positioning him to claim the state’s nine electoral votes.
Trump’s win comes as no surprise because he was heavily favored to win the Palmetto State. The Hill and Decision Desk HQ’s model estimated a 98 percent chance Trump would win; 538’s model gave Trump a 99 percent chance at victory.
Trump easily won the state’s primary in early 2024 after a bruising battle with the state’s former governor, Nikki Haley (R). But despite some personal and ideological differences, Haley still chose to endorse her primary rival in the general election.
South Carolina’s senators, Lindsey Graham (R) and Tim Scott (R), both backed the Republican presidential nominee. Scott had even been floated as a shortlist contender to serve as Trump’s running mate after ending his presidential bid.
In 2020, Trump handily won the state by roughly 11 points. In 2016, Trump also carried the state, defeating Hillary Clinton by roughly 14 points.