Virginia will hold its Democratic and Republican presidential primaries on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, known as Super Tuesday. This is when the largest number of states will be holding presidential primaries or caucuses, over a third of all the available delegates for both the Republican and Democratic nominations are at stake on Super Tuesday.
Biden vs Trump: A Tight Race
President Joe Biden is the leading contender for the Democratic nomination, and he has no substantial primary challenge, while former President Donald Trump is leading former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in the Republican nomination race. Trump has won every GOP presidential nominating contest to date going into Super Tuesday1. However, Trump faces federal indictments in Washington, D.C., and Florida, as well as state charges in New York and in Georgia. He also was found to have engaged in insurrection related to the post-2020 election period and disqualified from the primary ballot in two of the Super Tuesday states — Colorado and Maine.
Haley’s Rise: A Surprise Factor
Haley won the D.C. Republican presidential primary—which nearly doubled her delegate total. She visited D.C. and Virginia last week and told 7News that she wants to advocate for students’ education and challenge Biden’s policies. She also said that she is not afraid of Trump and that she can appeal to both moderates and conservatives.
How to Vote: A Guide for Voters
Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Registered voters in the states holding presidential nominating contests will go to the polls and vote on March 5. Fifteen states are holding GOP contests on Super Tuesday: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Virginia are holding primaries. Two states, Alaska and Utah, are holding caucuses1. Eleven of the 15 states are holding GOP primaries that are open to more than just registered Republicans.
Virginia’s Role: A Key State
Virginia is one of the most populous and diverse states in the Super Tuesday lineup, with 99 delegates for the Democrats and 49 for the Republicans. It is also a swing state that has voted for the winner of the presidential election in every cycle since 2004. Virginia’s voters are expected to reflect the national mood and preferences of both parties.
Biden has a strong lead over Trump in Virginia, according to the latest polls. He has the support of 54% of likely voters, compared to 41% for Trump. Biden also leads among women, Black voters, college graduates, and suburban voters. Trump has an edge among men, white voters, and rural voters.
What to Expect: A High-Stakes Night
Super Tuesday is expected to be a high-stakes night for both Biden and Trump, as well as for Haley and other candidates who are still in the race. The results will shape the momentum and narrative of the presidential campaign, as well as the delegate math and the viability of the contenders.
Biden is hoping to consolidate his lead and secure his position as the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party, while Trump is aiming to fend off Haley’s challenge and rally his base behind him. Haley is hoping to pull off a surprise win or a strong showing in some states, especially Virginia, to boost her credibility and appeal as an alternative to Trump. Other candidates, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), are hoping to stay in the race and win some delegates to keep their hopes alive.
Comments