President Joe Biden suffered a surprising defeat in the Democratic caucuses in American Samoa on Tuesday, losing to a little-known candidate named Jason Palmer.
The Baltimore-based entrepreneur and investor won 56% of the votes out of 99% of the expected casting, while Biden won 44% of the votes, according to the local Democratic Party.
Pleased with the result, Palmer took to X to say “thank you to the incredible community for your support.”
Jason Palmer, 52, has no political experience or national profile, but he campaigned in the U.S. territory over the weekend. His website describes him as a “problem solver” who has worked for various businesses and nonprofits, especially in the education and technology sectors.
When speaking to ABC News, he said,
“I think the people in American Samoa really responded positively to my message of civility and inclusion. I was really attentive and listening to their needs for more resources for health care on the island, more resources for education and climate change.”
While Jason Palmer’s win in American Samoa does not change the overall dynamics of the Democratic race, as Biden still has a commanding lead in the delegate count and is expected to clinch the nomination soon, his win in the small and remote island does give him some attention and recognition, as he tries to raise awareness about the issues and challenges facing the island and its people.
