Biden Celebrates South Carolina Primary Win Anniversary

Former President credits state's pivotal role in his 2020 comeback

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Former President Joe Biden returned to Columbia, South Carolina this weekend to mark the sixth anniversary of his pivotal South Carolina primary victory in 2020, which he credits with reviving his presidential campaign and propelling him to the White House. Biden thanked South Carolina Democrats and said the state's voters reshaped the Democratic primary race, noting "South Carolina picks presidents."

Why it matters

Biden's 2020 South Carolina primary win was a major turning point in the Democratic race, helping him regain momentum after early losses and cementing his status as the party's frontrunner. The state's Democratic voters, particularly Black voters, played a crucial role in Biden's eventual nomination and general election victory.

The details

Speaking to supporters in Columbia, Biden reflected on how the state helped turn his campaign around, with the former president saying "people in this room brought my candidacy for president back from the brink" when many had counted him out. South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain called the 2020 primary a pivotal moment that "changed the course of the Democratic Party and ultimately the country." Congressman James Clyburn, whose 2020 endorsement was seen as a major boost for Biden, said "What happens in South Carolina... this state delivered a winner."

  • Biden returned to Columbia this weekend to mark the sixth anniversary of his 2020 South Carolina primary victory.

The players

Joe Biden

Former President of the United States who credits South Carolina's 2020 primary as a pivotal moment in his campaign.

Christale Spain

Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party who said the 2020 primary changed the course of the Democratic Party and the country.

James Clyburn

U.S. Congressman whose 2020 endorsement was seen as a major boost for Biden's campaign.

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What they’re saying

“What happens in South Carolina... this state delivered a winner.”

— James Clyburn, U.S. Congressman (wltx.com)

“To see Trump give the State of the Union, is he still talking? The guy talks almost two hours.”

— Joe Biden, Former President (wltx.com)

The takeaway

Biden's return to South Carolina underscores the state's enduring political influence, particularly among Democratic voters. The 2020 primary victory helped revive Biden's campaign and propel him to the presidency, cementing South Carolina's status as a crucial early voting state that can shape the trajectory of national elections.