Donald Trump, the GOP’s presumptive nominee, secured a decisive win in the Pennsylvania Republican primary on Tuesday night. However, the race was not without its warning signs, adding a layer of unpredictability.
Nikki Haley received more than 155,000 votes in the Keystone State despite dropping out of the race for the White House over a month ago. Her showing came as “the surprise of the night,” as Fox News’ Dana Perino called it. (RELATED: Trump Accuses Fox News Of Fudging Polls To Boost Haley)
Fox News reports that number represents 16.6% of the vote. In a hyperpartisan climate, presidential nominees must receive at least 90% of the vote from their party. It remains undetermined what percentage of Haley votes will hold their noses and vote for Trump in November:
Pennsylvania operates on a closed primary election system, meaning voters can only vote in the election of their own party’s nominee.
Haley’s sizable chunk of the electorate is surprising to election researchers as the former ambassador to the United Nations dropped out of the race following Super Tuesday at the beginning of March.
It raises questions about Pennsylvania voters’ approval of Trump as the presumptive presidential nominee.
The Keystone State looks headed for another tight race as President Biden and Trump are in a dead heat in the latest Fox News survey of Pennsylvania voters.
The latest survey of registered voters shows Biden and Trump tied at 48% apiece in Pennsylvania. (RELATED: Popular Dem Strategist Blames ‘Preachy Females’ For Disappointing Polls)
The most recent polling average out of Pennsylvania from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill shows Trump leading Biden by a meager 0.4%, giving added importance to every vote in the most competitive battleground state.
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Patrick Houck is an avid political enthusiast based out of the Washington, D.C., metro area. His expertise is in campaigns and the use of targeted messaging to persuade voters. When not combing through the latest news, you can find him enjoying the company of family and friends or pursuing his love of photography.
