Former President Donald Trump emerged victorious in the Michigan, Idaho, and Missouri caucuses on Saturday, solidifying his lead over his rival, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Trump’s triumph in these caucuses not only secured a considerable number of delegates but also further bolstered his position in the race.
In a remarkable display of support, Donald Trump emerged as the clear victor at the Michigan GOP Convention, which took place in Grand Rapids on Saturday. The convention saw a total of 39 delegates being awarded across 13 separate caucuses, all of which were won by Trump.
“This is undeniably Trump country, and today is a momentous day for Donald Trump,” expressed Pete Hoekstra, the Michigan Republican Party Chair, who served as a former congressman and U.S. ambassador during President Trump’s first term.
In the Michigan primary, a total of 55 convention delegates were awarded to the Republicans. Out of the 16 delegates awarded on Tuesday, Trump secured 12, while Haley managed to win four.
The Michigan GOP made the decision to hold both a primary and a convention in response to the Democrats changing the date for the state’s primary. If the party had proceeded with the primary under the new date, it would have violated the rules set by the national GOP.
In addition to overcoming party infighting, Trump successfully navigated the challenges posed by former Michigan GOP Chair Kristina Karamo and Chair Hoekstra, who held separate conventions.
Karamo faced opposition from Republicans who voted to oust her from the position of chair. However, their decision was upheld on Tuesday when a judge ruled that her removal was lawful.
In the state caucuses on Saturday, Trump successfully secured all of Missouri’s 51 delegates.
Missouri Republicans have made the decision to change their presidential nominating system from a primary to a caucus. This change came after their attempt to establish a primary in the previous legislative session was unsuccessful. On the other hand, State Democrats in Missouri will proceed with their plan to hold a presidential primary later this month.
In the GOP caucus held on Saturday evening, Trump emerged victorious by securing all 32 delegates from Idaho. This impressive triumph solidified his unbeaten record against Haley, the last remaining challenger in the race to dethrone Trump in the Republican presidential primary.
Despite not winning any of the early Republican nominating contests, Haley has made a firm commitment to remain in the race until Super Tuesday.
Over the weekend, Trump and Haley have been actively campaigning in North Carolina and Virginia, two important states for the upcoming Super Tuesday on March 5th.