COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former President Donald Trump won the South Carolina Republican Presidential Primary on Saturday and celebrated with a crowd at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia just minutes after the race was called.
Saturday's victory for Donald Trump was of little surprise according to Robert Cornelia, with the Veterans for Trump organization. Cornelia was one of the many on hand to watch the former president win South Carolina’s GOP primary.
“You knew he was going to do this well," Cornelia said. "South Carolina loves President Trump, veterans in South Carolina love President Trump."
The former president’s victory was projected just minutes after polls closed in the state by The Associated Press, exciting a crowded room inside the fairgrounds. Jim and Cathy Bryant came to show their support on Saturday.
“Absolutely over the moon, happiness all the way. Trump is wonderful and great," Cathy Bryant said.
The former president was joined on stage by a number of local and national officials and political leaders for his victory speech. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson were in the crowd of Trump supporters.
"They're destroying our country, and we're gonna just wish we could do it quicker," Trump said about declaring victory for himself. "Nine months is a long time. I just wish we could do it quicker Mr. Governor."
News19 spoke with supporters, including Bob McClain who is hoping for a change in Washington.
“I’m really concerned about my children, my grandchildren, and the future of this country. The direction we’re heading just cannot continue as it has for the last three years," he says.
Christopher Roman says the economy is why he cast a vote for Trump and is celebrating Saturday’s win.
“Couldn’t be happier, we got a victory, hopefully, we get one in Georgia as well. It’s a race and it’s a fight until the end,” said Roman. “I’m a big supporter of economy policy, just bringing a good meal to the table."