The South Carolina Republican Party has moved to set the state’s first in the South primary for Feb. 24th, later than usual.
The party’s executive committee approved the measure with a unanimous vote on Saturday, according to the Associated Press.
GAS PRICES TODAY: WHERE TO FIND THE CHEAPEST FUEL ACROSS THE COUNTRY
The move is to allow candidates more time to campaign in the all-important early primary state after the Feb. 6 primary in Nevada. In 2016, South Carolina’s Republican primary was held on Feb. 20, while Nevada’s caucus was on Feb. 23.
The Washington Examiner contacted the SCGOP for confirmation.
It will now head to the Republican National Committee for approval before the October deadline.
In a statement to the Washington Examiner, a spokesperson for the RNC said, “Every state has until October 1st to let the RNC know what their plan is for electing, selecting, allocating, and binding delegates. We look forward to reviewing each state and territory’s plans.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
SCGOP Executive Director Hope Walker told the Associated Press, “This is a great opportunity for South Carolina Republicans and for our candidates and the voters in South Carolina to get to interact one on one, not just in large masses.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo told the Washington Examiner, “This could not have shaken out any better for us. We were happy to support this decision and look forward to competing to win in all four early states. Governor DeSantis has the strongest political operation and footprint of any of the announced candidates, including Biden.”
