South Carolina primary live: Trump claims victory as Haley vows not to give up

Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley has pledged to keep fighting for the Republican presidential nomination despite a clear defeat in her home state primary to ex-president Donald Trump.

Mr Trump secured an expected victory over Ms Haley in the Palmetto State, where she served as governor from 2011 to 2017. He is projected to secure roughly 60 per cent of the vote, with nearly 40 per cent of votes going to Ms Haley, according to projections two hours after polls closed. The former president’s series of primary victories continues to solidify his prospects as the 2024 Republican Presidential candidate.

Ms Haley spoke to a group of supporters and journalists at her Charleston, South Carolina watch party just 90 minutes after polls closed, pledging to remain in the race.

“I said earlier this week that no matter what happens in South Carolina, I would continue to run,” she told supporters, who met her words with cheers. “I’m a woman of my word.”

“I’m not giving up this fight when a majority of Americans disapprove of both Donald Trump and Joe Biden,” she added.

The former South Carolina governor also congratulated Mr Trump on his victory.

Nikki Haley beat the polls once again in South Carolina. She did not, however, beat Donald Trump.

Super Tuesday and other states like Michigan are now in Ms Haley’s sights as she make the argument that her campaign is a slow burn that is only gaining steam as Mr Trump’s money problems worsen.

Here’s what happened in the Palmetto State, where Ms Haley lost on Saturday after serving as governor for eight years, from John Bowden:

Shortlived Trump White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci wrote on X on Saturday that “Trump had a great night in SC. However in 4 states the exit polls average 40 percent of Haley voters won’t vote for him. He can’t make it to the presidency without the crossover vote. He and his team knows this”.

Haley supporter Cathy Evan told The Independent: “I’m glad she’s staying in.”

She added that it was important she continue providing an alternative to Trump.

“Today in South Carolina, we’re getting around 40% of the vote,” Haley noted. “That’s about what we got New Hampshire too.

“I’m gonna count it. I know 40% is not 50% but I also know 40% is not some tiny group.

“There are huge numbers of voters in our Republican primaries who were saying they want an alternative.

“I said earlier this week that no matter what happens in South Carolina, I would continue to run … I’m a woman of my word,” she added.

“I’m not giving up this fight when a majority of Americans disapprove of both Donald Trump and Joe Biden,” she said.