Nikki Haley faced a significant setback in the Nevada Republican primary, experiencing a defeat that carried an unusual twist. Despite lacking competition due to Donald Trump's absence, Haley received fewer votes than the option "None of these candidates," as projected by the Associated Press.
In an intriguing turn, the Nevada governor had endorsed the strategy of voting for "None" as a form of protest, particularly since she opted to skip the Thursday caucuses. The dual contests emerged from a disagreement between the state's Republican Party and Democrats in the legislature. A law passed in 2021 switched from caucuses to primaries, with the latter being a more conventional voting method.
With 86% of precincts reporting, "None" claimed a substantial lead with 63% of the primary votes, leaving Haley trailing at 31%. It's worth noting that the outcome of this non-binding contest holds no official sway over the nomination race, as it has been disavowed by the Republican Party.
The fact that voters chose "None of these candidates" over Haley highlights the formidable influence of Donald Trump in the party. Despite not actively campaigning in Nevada and focusing on South Carolina, where she hails from, Haley's team remains undeterred by the rebuke.
Campaign spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas emphasized their commitment, stating, "Even Donald Trump knows that when you play penny slots, the house wins.
There remains a possibility that Haley could still be declared the victor if only officially named candidates are considered, according to reports from the New York Times. The ultimate Republican nominee, highly likely to be Trump, is set to face President Joe Biden in the upcoming November election, as Biden secured victory in the Democratic primary in Nevada on Tuesday.
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