CONCORD, N.H. – The first trial run of Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips for the Democratic presidential nomination didn’t go well. Phillips took only 20% of the vote. Incumbent President Joe Biden took almost 33% even though he wasn’t on the ballot and didn’t campaign. Biden’s votes were write-ins. Feel-good author Marianne Williamson received 5%. Even so, the Democratic votes were moot. In an intra-party squabble, the National Democratic Party decided many months ago not to recognize the New Hampshire primary. The state’s 32 delegates instead were chosen two weeks ago at district caucuses. The squabble had prompted Phillips to launch a long–shot candidacy to show he was a viable alternative to Biden. In response, the New Hampshire Democratic establishment organized a write-in campaign for Biden rather than risk an embarrassing loss to Phillips. In contrast, the Republican primary stuck to the usual rules. Former President Donald Trump won 55% to 44% over former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. For Trump the margin was a setback considering he had characterized himself in continuing self-denial as an incumbent, albeit he lost the presidency to Biden in 2020.
Earlier: MN-3’s Phillips leaving Congress to tackle Biden
Voting databank
The New Hampshire turnout, at 322,000, was robust.
Democrat totals
Biden: 37.% (37,597 votes).
Phillips: 19.8% (19,917).
Williamson: 4.8% (4,309).
Republican totals
Trump: 54.6% (160,356).
Haley: 43.2% (126,194).