President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump won the Michigan primaries on February 27, further solidifying the all-but-certain rematch between the two men.
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Mr. Biden defeated Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips, his one significant opponent left in the Democratic primary. But Democrats closely watched the “uncommitted” vote, as Michigan has become the epicentre for dissatisfied members of Mr Bidenâs coalition that propelled him to victory in 2020.
The number of âuncommittedâ votes has surpassed the 10,000-vote margin by which Mr Trump won Michigan in 2016, which was set as a goal by organizers of this protest effort.
A robust grassroots effort encouraged voters to select âuncommittedâ to express objections to Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Officials like Rep. Rashida Tlaib and former Rep. Andy Levin have backed this push.
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As for Mr. Trump, he has now swept the first five Republican primary states. His Michigan victory over Nikki Haley comes after he defeated her by 20 points in her home state of South Carolina.
The Trump campaign looks to secure the nomination in mid-March. He has won strong support from most Republican voters, except college-educated voters, who favoured Haley in South Carolina.
Critical Months Ahead of November Election
Both campaigns are watching Tuesdayâs results closely beyond just winning. For Mr. Biden, a significant “uncommitted” vote signals trouble with his base in the critical swing state. Mr. Trump has struggled to unite all factions of the GOP.
Michigan decided the 2016 election by just 11,000 votes for Trump, then flipped to Biden in 2020. It will likely play a decisive role again in November. Voters have sent clear messages in the primaries to both parties on pressing issues.
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