Indian-American Nikki Haley beats Donald Trump to win Vermont Republican primary

Nikki Haley unexpectedly defeats Donald Trump in Vermont Republican primary

Washington:

Indian-American presidential candidate Nikki Haley unexpectedly defeated Donald Trump in the Republican primary in the US state of Vermont, her second victory in the 2024 White House race.

According to US media reports, with 98% of the votes counted, 52-year-old Nikki Haley leads former President Trump 49.9% to 45.8%.

While Trump, 77, held the lead in every other state in his charge for the Republican nomination, Haley’s victory in Vermont marked her second primary victory and her first on Super Tuesday. First victory.

Haley’s campaign said Tuesday it was “honored” by her projected victory in Vermont’s Republican presidential primary.

“We are honored to receive the support of millions of Americans across the country today, including in Vermont, where Nikki becomes the first Republican woman to win two presidential primaries,” said Olivia Pey, a spokeswoman for Ms. Haley. Reis-Cubas said in a statement. “Simply declaring ‘We are united’ does not achieve unity.” Haley’s campaign said there were still “significant numbers of Republican primary voters who have expressed deep concerns about the former president.”

“This is not the unity our party needs to succeed. Addressing the concerns of these voters will make the Republican Party and America better,” Perez-Cubas said.

Mr. Trump holds a commanding lead with 893 delegates, while Ms. Haley has 66.

To win the Republican presidential nomination, either candidate would need 1,215 delegates.

Political experts point to Vermont as Ms. Haley’s best chance of winning a state, especially given the state’s historical preference for moderate Republican candidates. On top of that, she received a major endorsement from Vermont Governor Phil Scott over the weekend.

Alex Garlick, a professor of political science at the University of Vermont, said: “Vermont has historically supported moderate Republican candidates, and she got the endorsement of Governor Scott over the weekend. I don’t think that makes her a favorite.” candidate, but she has the best chance,” told USA Today.

Vermont’s primary is on a winner-take-all basis, awarding 17 delegates to the candidate who receives 50% or more of the state’s vote. Otherwise, delegates would be split between Ms. Haley and Mr. Trump.

Just two days ago, Ms. Haley made history by winning the Republican primary in Washington, D.C., becoming the first woman to achieve that milestone.

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