Biden swept every Democratic contest on Super Tuesday everywhere — except in American Samoa. He was beaten there by a previously unknown Democrat candidate named Jason Palmer.
A total of 91 ballots were cast in the territory’s caucus. Of that, Palmer got 51 and Biden 40, local party sources told media.
How will this impact Biden?
Biden’s path to securing his party’s nomination will hardly be affected by the outcome in American Samoa. With just six delegates at stake in the U.S. territory, which has a population of less than 50,000, the impact of the results would be minimal at best.
According to US media reports, Palmer, 52, appears to have campaigned in the territory. On the day before the caucus, he posted on X that “Washington D.C. is long overdue for a president who will be an advocate for American Samoa.” Palmer’s account features images of youngsters with homemade campaign signs.
Jason Palmer: Personal details
Palmer’s website describes him as a Baltimore resident who has worked for various businesses and nonprofits, often on issues involving technology and education.It may be noted here that residents of US territories vote in primaries but do not have representation in the Electoral College.This is not the first time American Samoa has returned unusual results. During the 2020 Democratic primaries, billionaire Michael Bloomberg’s only win came there.
