Guide Note

Hillary Clinton won the 2008 South Dakota Primary held on June 3, 2008. Despite her victory, most commentators had already concluded that Barack Obama would take the nomination given the numbers of delegates he had acquired.

Early polls gave Barack Obama a lead in the state. However, following her landslide victory in Puerto Rico, Clinton expected a closer race.

Fast Facts

1. Hillary Clinton won 55% of the vote
2. Barack Obama received 45% of the vote
3. Date: June 3, 2008
4. At stake: 15 delegates
5. A closed primary
6. With Montana, the last Democratic primary

Clinton was widely expected to drop out and back Obama in his quest for the presidency on June 3. In a speech made in New York after the South Dakota results were projected, she said she would be making "no decision tonight" on the future of her campaign. Her words came after many news outlets were openly discussing Obama's victory.

The South Dakota primary formed part of the last two Democratic Party primaries in the 2008 Primary calendar.

Early polls placed Barack Obama in the lead. However, following a landslide victory in Puerto Rico, the Hillary Clinton Campaign announced that they expected a much closer race.