South Carolina Republican primary live updates: Nikki Haley fights for upset against Trump

 

South Carolina's pivotal Republican primary is here, and former Palmetto State Gov. Nikki Haley is fighting for an upset against GOP frontrunner Donald Trump.

The 2024 contest in Haley's home state is crucial as she tries to make up ground − and even build momentum − against the former president.

But it's not clear the former United Nations ambassador will be able to notch a victory on Saturday. An exclusive Suffolk University/USA TODAY poll released earlier this week found that, among those very likely to vote in the state's Republican primary, Trump leads Haley by close to 2-1, 63%-35%.

Keep up with the USA TODAY Network's live updates from the South Carolina GOP primary and check back here for results.

When do polls close in South Carolina?

Polls for South Carolina’s Republican presidential primary will close at 7 p.m. ET.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

The state also allowed early voting for the election. Registered voters were eligible to submit an early ballot by Thursday, Feb. 22. Absentee ballots must have been submitted and received by the county voter registration office by Feb. 3.

The state has an open primary, which allows registered voters of any party – Republicans, Democrats or independents – to participate in the Republican contest. Anyone who participated in the state’s Democratic presidential primary, however, are barred from also voting in the GOP election.

Is Joe Biden competing in South Carolina?

President Joe Biden competed in the South Carolina Democratic primary, which took place on Saturday, Feb. 3. Biden won with roughly 92% of the vote in a landslide victory over his longshot challengers, self-help author Marianne Williamson and House Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn. Williamson and Phillips each received about 2% support.

The next major Democratic primary takes place in Michigan on Tuesday, Feb. 27. It is on the same day as the Michigan Republican primary.

Where do Nikki Haley, Donald Trump stand in Republican polls?

Trump has notched victories in every major nominating contest so far and is leading in most state and national polls. A RealClearPolitics average of South Carolina polls shows the former president ahead of Haley in the state 62% - 37%, a margin of roughly 25 points.

Haley has said that she needs to perform better in her home state than she did in New Hampshire, where she garnered 43% of the vote.

"I don’t think it necessarily has to be a win, but it certainly has to be better than what I did in New Hampshire, and it certainly has to be close," Haley said of her South Carolina prospects during an interview with NBC.

Haley has pledged to remain in the GOP primary race until March 5, the date known as Super Tuesday when voters in more than a dozen states head to the polls.