According to CNN, Joe Biden and Donald Trump have officially secured the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations, respectively, setting the stage for a rematch in the upcoming election. Trump secured the Republican nomination on Wednesday morning, while Biden secured the Democratic nomination on Tuesday night. This followed primary elections in Georgia, Mississippi, and Washington, as well as caucuses in Hawaii for Republicans and the completion of the primary for Democrats Abroad. Biden is also projected to be the winner of the Democratic primary in the Northern Mariana Islands.
The elections followed Super Tuesday, where both Biden and Trump dominated, putting them close to winning the majority of delegates needed for their parties’ presumptive nominations. The anticipated rematch is expected to resemble the 2020 campaign, with Trump facing 91 felony charges related to allegations of plotting to overturn the 2020 election, involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, illegal possession of classified documents, and covering up hush money payments. Trump, however, has a record of accomplishments and missteps for voters to consider.
Biden, on the other hand, is running a campaign similar to 2020, highlighting concerns over Trump’s authoritarian behavior and addressing economic issues. While facing some intraparty anxiety over his age and criticism from progressives regarding Israel’s conflict with Hamas, Biden has not faced a serious primary challenge. The release of special counsel Robert Hur’s report, which concluded that Biden mishandled classified information but did not find enough evidence for criminal charges, has added to the scrutiny.
In the Republican Party, Trump is considered the favorite despite competition from various challengers, including governors, senators, and his former vice president, Mike Pence. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, the last to withdraw from the Republican race, did not endorse Trump and emphasized the need for him to earn the votes of those who did not support him. Both candidates are expected to face a crucial test in the primaries in Georgia ahead of the anticipated November rematch.
Biden has been on a post-State of the Union tour of swing states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, and New Hampshire. Trump is set to host a rally in Dayton, Ohio, supporting businessman Bernie Moreno in the GOP primary against Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. The outcome of the Ohio election is seen as critical to Democratic hopes of holding the Senate.
