Delegates’ Decision Uncertain as Trump Maintains Stronghold in Pennsylvania
Observers of Pennsylvania’s politics believe that former President Donald Trump is the candidate to beat in the state’s upcoming primary. However, there is a quirk in the delegate election rules that could work against Trump. In Pennsylvania, delegate races are separate from the presidential primary, meaning winning the statewide vote does not guarantee delegate support. Delegates run as uncommitted and can vote however they wish once elected. Although a recent poll showed Trump leading other contenders in the state, his mounting legal troubles could pose a problem for his candidacy. If he stumbles in early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire, it could lead to chaos in the Republican primaries. While Trump’s campaign in Pennsylvania knows how to play the delegate game, no delegate is formally committed to any candidate. Therefore, Trump’s delegates could defect from him at the convention, just like any other candidate’s delegates. Overall, while Trump is currently the clear favorite in Pennsylvania, the dynamics could change as the voting begins.
