Fifteen states held primaries on Tuesday. Vote counting is still ongoing, but the states that The Associated Press called to support Trump included North Carolina, Virginia, Maine and Tennessee.
The Super Tuesday contest in March will garner more than a third of the delegates needed to win the nomination. Trump's dominance in every race against his only remaining rival, Nikki Haley, underscored his growing grip on the Republican Party. He plans to secure the nomination by mid-March and face President Joe Biden in a rematch in November.
Haley's campaign has vowed to look beyond Super Tuesday, but the delegate count makes it clear there is no path for Haley to win the nomination. Remaining in the race is essentially an insurance policy against the eventuality that Trump loses the general election or secures his spot in the 2028 presidential race.
Early state exit polls show Trump remains popular among Republican primary voters of all ages, genders and races, including working-class and college-educated Republicans. Haley is trying to appeal to moderate Republicans who want to overtake Trump, but so far has been unable to build a coalition that matches the former president's support.
A series of legal troubles have accelerated Trump's bid to return to the White House, as the Republican Party largely unites around the former president. He faces four criminal charges related to his alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election and his handling of classified information.
The Trump campaign has dominated early voting contests, but it has also used more subtle methods to lock in support. Trump will effectively take over the Republican National Committee on Friday, and his party members will vote on two hand-picked allies to lead the party for the rest of 2024. Many of Trump's critics in Congress have retired or announced plans to retire. He will be leaving leadership, as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell did last week.
The Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of Trump, who had sought to have his name reinstated on Colorado's ballots after the state's highest court ruled that he could be removed from office. handed down a judgment. A Colorado court said in December that Trump cannot appear on the ballot given his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
“President Trump is on a winning streak,” said Garrett Bentley, a Republican strategist and Trump supporter. “President Trump seems unstoppable right now.”
President Trump's strategy
Part of Trump's momentum comes from his own organization. His top campaign aides have run a far more efficient and sophisticated operation this term, with fewer unforced errors and infighting that were common during previous campaigns and his tenure in the White House.
Trump has spent far less time campaigning than Haley and other challengers. Mr. Trump has only appeared in early voting states for major events and rallies, increasing his presence at smaller events with U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake, and his in-laws. is relying on a team of agents, including his daughter Lara Trump. .
President Trump, who faces 91 felonies and additional civil charges, is required to end the Republican primary early. He is expected to make more court appearances this spring, which could take him away from his campaign.
Legal issues are also affecting his finances. President Trump's political campaign has spent more than $50 million on his defense. He personally owes hundreds of millions of dollars in court judgments and may be forced to sell his assets and real estate to cover the costs.
