American Samoa 2024 Democratic caucus results: Little-known candidate Jason Palmer beats Biden
The territory has handed the president his first loss.
President Joe Biden lost the Democratic presidential caucuses for American Samoa on Tuesday.
A little-known candidate, Jason Palmer, won over Biden, the local Democratic Party chair confirmed to ABC News.
With 99% of the expected vote reporting, Palmer leads with 56% of the vote, followed by Biden with 44%, though the overall vote total is tiny: less than 100 ballots.
"Honored to announce my victory in the American Samoa presidential primary," Palmer said in an update on X Tuesday night. "This win is a testament to the power of our voices," he said, adding, "Together, we can rebuild the American dream and shape a brighter future for all."
A Biden campaign spokesperson brushed off his first loss in the nominating race, telling ABC News on Tuesday night that there are unique politics on the island.
The Republican presidential caucus will be held on Friday.
Territory's significance
American Samoa is a U.S. territory and not a state -- so it does not cast electoral votes for president of the United States. However, it does hold caucuses to help pick the nominees.
American Samoa has 11 delegate votes in the Democratic National Convention and nine delegates in the Republican National Convention.
In 2020, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was the Democratic winner; in 2016, the last contested Republican caucuses, former President Donald Trump won.
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