On Tuesday, South Dakota’s electoral votes for the presidential election were claimed by former President Donald Trump. The Republican candidate was widely anticipated to achieve an easy victory in a state where the Republican voter base significantly outnumbers Democrats, boasting a ratio of over 2-to-1. Notably, no Democratic candidate has successfully won South Dakota since President Lyndon Johnson’s victory in 1964.

In previous presidential elections, Trump garnered nearly 62% of the total votes, securing a substantial margin of over 26 percentage points each time. Currently, more than half of South Dakota’s 616,000 registered voters identify as Republicans, while the Democratic voter pool remains below 24%. By 9:00 p.m. EST, Trump was officially announced as the winner of the state.

Given the strong Republican presence in South Dakota, Trump’s success was a foregone conclusion for many observers and analysts. The state’s political landscape has long favored Republican candidates, reflecting a trend that has remained constant in recent decades. As Trump continues to solidify his support within the party, South Dakota’s results serve as a reaffirmation of his influence and popularity among GOP voters.

The political dynamics in South Dakota highlight the challenges faced by Democratic candidates in the region, where they have struggled to make significant inroads. Trump’s ability to maintain such a stronghold in a traditionally Republican state speaks to his enduring appeal and the loyalty he commands among his base.