The Republican held their primary in South Carolina on January 19th. McCain's campaign. In 2000 his campaign was derailed by his defeat by George Bush in the primary. This time McCain had the support of much of the Republican establishment . His victory in South Carolina clearly conferred on McCain front runner status.

The democratics held their primary on January 26th. Senator Obama won a decisive victory in South Carolina, beating Senator Clinton by almost 2 to 1. Senator Edwards won 18% of the vote.