Biden's first primary loss is in a U.S. territory
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President Biden in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. on March 5. Photo: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President Biden lost the Democratic caucuses in American Samoa to Jason Palmer, a previously little known longshot challenger, the U.S. territory's Democratic representatives announced Tuesday.
Why it matters: The results mark Biden's first lost of the Democratic primary, though he is dominating Super Tuesday — winning 14 states so far and clinching all of the delegates up for grabs.
State of play: American Samoa, a U.S. territory, does not have electoral votes in November. Six delegates were up for grabs in the territory.
- Just 91 voters cast a ballot in the American Samoa Democratic primary, with 51 going to entrepreneur Palmer and 40 going to Biden, according to a media statement released by the American Samoa Democratic Party.
- Rep. Dean Phillips, who is also mounting a longshot challenge to Biden, did not win any votes in the American Samoa Democratic primary.
What he's saying: "Honored to announce my victory in the American Samoa presidential primary," Palmer said in posts to social media.
- "Thank you to the incredible community for your support. This win is a testament to the power of our voices. Together, we can rebuild the American Dream and shape a brighter future for all."
Between the lines: The campaign website of Palmer appeared to crash after his surprising victory on Tuesday.
Flashback: Biden lost the Democratic primary in American Samoa in 2020 to former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg — his only win of the 2020 presidential campaign.
Go deeper: Super Tuesday: Trump and Biden dominate, Haley's future on line
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include a post to X and comment by Democratic presidential candidate Jason Palmer.
