Who is Jason Palmer? Biden beaten by unknown in American Samoa Democratic caucus
As he wrestles with the challenges of the Democrat “uncommitted’ protest vote, Joe Biden faced a new opponent on Super Tuesday, and lost.
The president swept every Democratic contest in the early results, including taking Minnesota, the home state of nearest challenger Dean Phillips. But he didn’t reckon on the power of Jason Palmer in American Samoa.
Out of 91 ballots cast in the territory’s caucus, Palmer won 51 and Biden won 40, according to the local party, giving the previously unknown candidate from Baltimore four delegates to Biden’s two.
The outcome in the tiny collection of islands in the South Pacific with fewer than 50,000 residents is unlikely to derail Biden’s march toward his party’s nomination but sparked interest amid the more predictable results. Many greeted the news online with the question: who is Jason Palmer?
Palmer describes himself as a Maryland resident and proud father who has worked for various businesses and nonprofits, often on issues involving technology and education. He says he “recently gained national prominence by qualifying for the presidential ballot in sixteen US states and territories” and, at 52, has promoted himself as one of the youngest Democratic candidates.
In the wake of his win he posted on X, saying he was “honoured” by the victory.
Honored to announce my victory in the American Samoa presidential primary. Thank you to the incredible community for your support. This win is a testament to the power of our voices. Together, we can rebuild the American Dream and shape a brighter future for all #VoteJasonPalmer pic.twitter.com/Txf771rhtI
— Jason Palmer (@educationpalmer) March 6, 2024
“This win is a testament to the power of our voices. Together, we can rebuild the American Dream and shape a brighter future for all #VoteJasonPalmer,” he wrote.
Meet Jason Palmer, the next President of the United States: pic.twitter.com/mfdn0caZKn
— Kate Hyde (@KateHydeNY) March 6, 2024
Palmer appears to have campaigned in the territory. On the day before the caucus, he posted on X that “Washington DC is long overdue for a president who will be an advocate for American Samoa.” His account includes pictures of young people holding homemade campaign signs.
Residents of US territories vote in primaries but do not have representation in the electoral college for the general election in November.
American Samoa has been the site of quixotic victories before. During the 2020 Democratic primaries, billionaire Michael Bloomberg’s only win came in the territory.
With Associated Press