South-Carolina
'I think she can do it': Why some South Carolina voters are sticking with Haley despite polls
Voters in South Carolina are getting ready to weigh in on Saturday’s Republican presidential primary: a matchup between former President Donald Trump and former Gov. Nikki Haley.
With Haley significantly trailing Trump in the polls, ABC News asked her supporters over the past three weeks why they’re still pulling for her despite her being so far behind.
After his wins in previous primaries, Trump is expected to beat Haley handily in her home state of South Carolina with 538’s polling average showing Haley trails Trump by 30 points.
But Haley says she isn’t deterred. Earlier this week, she vowed to stay in the race for South Carolina and beyond, saying she feels “no need to kiss the ring.”
Voter Ed Kosinski said it will be challenging for Haley, despite being the state’s two-term governor, to win in the state.
“I think it’s going to be tough. Yeah, it’s tough to dethrone the king. And that’s what [Trump] wants to be,” said Kosinski — who moved to Kiawah, South Carolina, a year ago from Connecticut.
Donald Trump and Nikki Haley
Getty Images
“I think she can do it and I think we can’t give up that right. She’s got to do it. The prospect of four years of Trump or Biden is really scary.”
Kosinski said Haley is what America needs right now.
“America really needs a thoughtful, strong leader. And we’ve reached this critical time, I think, for the United States. We’ve got to have someone that we have confidence in. That’s going to lead us where we need to go. Nikki’s got that.”
Haley has sharply ramped up her criticism of Trump, recently calling the former president “unhinged” and “more diminished.” On Tuesday, she said politicians know Trump is a “disaster.”
She has also turned up the heat on her campaign ads — attacking Trump for his past comments mocking military veterans. More recently, the two have sparred over Trump’s mocking jabs at Haley’s husband, who is serving a one-year deployment in Africa with the South Carolina National Guard.
Trump implied during a campaign event in South Carolina, earlier this month that Haley’s husband is in Africa to get away. Haley said his comments “cut deep” for military families who sacrifice for the United States.
Several voters who spoke with ABC News said they supported Haley and hope she stays in the race to prevail over Trump — and eventually Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Republican Presidential hopeful and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during a campaign event, Feb. 21, 2024, in North Augusta, S.C.
Julia Nikhinson/AFP via Getty Images
“Whenever elections come around, people always say that they have to choose between two different [candidates] and which one is the less evil. But in this election, I don’t really think … there is an evil when you look at Nikki Haley versus the other two evils,” said 21-year-old independent Lilli Taylor.
Several people who voted for Trump in 2020, are considering changing their votes this time around, hoping Haley can win.
Rebecca Jones said she has soured on Trump and is “very impressed” with Haley.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley greets supporters during a campaign visit at Clemson University, Feb. 20, 2024, in Clemson, S.C.
Alyssa Pointer/Reuters
“I did like the way he did things in the beginning, but I think what happened is I think he kind of turned, and now it’s all about him. It’s not about us. It’s all about him. If we don’t think the way he does, it’s not good, and I don’t like that,” Jones said.
Pat Sanders, a Republican who voted for Trump in the last election, said he thinks Haley can win in the South Carolina primary. He said Trump’s behavior, attitude and comments led him to consider Haley, who he said had “wonderful ideas” as the state’s governor.
“I like what Nikki has to say,” Sanders said. “… I was on the cusp.”
Haley, who has attacked both Trump and Biden over their age, brings some much-needed youth to the race, Kosinski said.
“I’m in my 70s and I can tell you, I’m too old to be president. And I’m younger than both [Biden and Trump]. So, it’s time for them to move aside. Let’s get some youth in line,” he said. “I love the idea that we have a woman as a candidate for president, a thoughtful, strong woman. I think it’s great for America.”
ABC News’ Sarah Beth Hensley contributed to this report.
South-Carolina
South Carolina Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for March 8, 2026
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at March 8, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from March 8 drawing
Evening: 3-3-3, FB: 1
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from March 8 drawing
Evening: 7-8-0-4, FB: 1
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 8 drawing
Evening: 01
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from March 8 drawing
06-10-14-29-34
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
South-Carolina
South Carolina women’s basketball vs. Texas live: SEC final highlights
South Carolina, Dawn Staley head to 2026 SEC Tournament in Greenville
Hundreds of fans showed up to the Grand Bohemian Lodge on March 6 to cheer on Dawn Staley and SC women’s basketball ahead of the 2026 SEC Tournament.
For the second straight season, South Carolina and Texas will meet in the SEC Tournament Championship in Greenville, South Carolina.
Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks and Vic Schaefer’s Longhorns will matchup on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, ESPN) in the title game.
South Carolina advanced by beating LSU in the semifinals behind 22 points from Raven Johnson. Texas was powered by 31 points from Madison Booker in its semifinal victory over Ole Miss.
The Gamecocks and Longhorns split regular season meetings, with each game decided by a single possession. Texas won a non-conference clash in Las Vegas by two points, while South Carolina took a three-point victory at home in Columbia.
Staley has had Schaefer’s number in the postseason though, as she’s 8-0 all-time against him in March and April. That record includes wins for the Gamecocks over the Longhorns in the SEC title game and Final Four last year.
The Longhorns are out to an early double-digit lead over the Gamecocks at the end of the first quarter behind 13 points from Justice Carlton, who is shooting 6-of-7 from the floor.
Texas opened the game with a 14-0 run before South Carolina coach Dawn Staley called a timeout at the 6:47 mark. Ta’Niya Latson swished a 3-pointer on a Raven Johnson assist out of that break, but couldn’t piece together a meaningful run to dent the Longhorns’ lead.
The Longhorns are shooting 68% from the floor and have scored 10 points off five South Carolina turnovers.
The SEC Championship game between South Carolina and Texas has tipped off on ESPN News because Duke and Louisville are in overtime in the ACC title game in Duluth, Georgia. The clash between the Gamecocks and Longhorns will switch back to ESPN when the ACC game finishes.
Less than four minutes into the game, Texas has a 14-0 lead on 7-of-7 shooting. Justice Carlton has six points. Dawn Staley called a timeout at the 6:47 mark in the first quarter.
South Carolina Gamecocks starting lineup
Head coach: Dawn Staley
- 25 Raven Johnson | G 5-9 Senior
- 00 Ta’Niya Latson | G 5-9 Senior
- 5 Tessa Johnson | G 6-0 Junior
- 8 Joyce Edwards | F 6-3 Sophomore
- 11 Madina Okot | C 6-6 Senior
Texas starting lineup
Head coach: Vic Schaefer
- 11 Justice Carlton | F 6-1 Sophomore
- 25 Breya Cunningham | F 6-4 Junior
- 35 Madison Booker | F 6-1 Junior
- 7 Jordan Lee | G 6-0 Sophomore
- 3 Rori Harmon | G 5-6 Senior
What time is South Carolina vs. Texas?
- Date: Sunday, March 8
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena (Greenville)
Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks face Vic Schaefer’s Longhorns in the championship game of the SEC Women’s Tournament at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, March 8 in Greenville, South Carolina.
South Carolina vs. Texas : TV, streaming
The game between South Carolina and Texas will air live on ESPN, with Ryan Ruocco and Rebecca Lobo on the call. Streaming options for the game include Sling TV.
South-Carolina
North Augusta and Military Magnet Repeat as South Carolina Girls Basketball Championships Continue Title Trend
Out of the five classifications at the South Carolina High School League girls basketball state championships, only Class 2A was guaranteed to crown a new state champion which was Landrum.
Through two days of the “Weekend of Champions,” order was served as Berkeley, Walhalla and Blythewood all retained their respective titles.
On Saturday, Military Magnet and North Augusta made it 5-5 for repeat championships.
Lady Yellow Jackets Move a Step Closer to State History
North Augusta head coach Al Young is a former wide receiver who’s a member of the South Carolina State Athletics Hall of Fame.
After 37 years of coaching boys basketball and track at North Augusta, he came out of retirement to work with girls’ basketball.
It’s been more than a smooth transition for Young. On Saturday, the Lady Yellow Jackets defeated Westside 63-50 in the Class 4A final.
“I thought football was my first love,” Young said. “I’m not sure now.”
Another Tough Rematch with Westside
It was the seventh state title in 10 years for the Lady Yellow Jackets, fifth with Young at the helm. They also tied Blackville-Hilda, the 63-50 win over Westside.
The win tied North Augusta for second-most in state history behind Lower Richland, Hollywood, Marion and Blackville-Hilda. Only Bowman and the legendary Monetta teams of the 1930s have more with eight titles.
For the second straight year, the Lady Yellow Jackets had to defeat the Lady Rams. Messiah Williams scored four straight points to help them take a 6-0 advantage.
Down 16-7, Westside responded with a 10-3 run sparked by six straight points from forward Makyhia Paul. The Lady Rams’ defense also forced North Augusta into turnovers to help stay close through the second quarter.
Westside briefly tied the game at 24-24. With two seconds left, Taylor Boney scored her only points of the game on a layup to put North Augusta up 26-24 at halftime.
Second Half Adjustments Help North Augusta
Guard Celana Grant, who scored a team-high 15 points along with Azaria Sapp, said they was implored to cut down on the turnovers.
“We turned the ball over a lot in the first half and we also turned it over in the second half,” she said. “But we made better decisions. We were looking for each other and we made great plays.”
After a 3-pointer by Monasia Clinkscales brought Westside within a point, North Augusta answered with eight straight points and increased its lead to 10 for the first time.
The Lady Rams got no closer than five the rest of the way. A jumper by Ashley Walker put the Lady Yellow Jackets up 44-34 going into the fourth quarter.
North Augusta extended its lead as many as 16 points before the final buzzer.
Lady Eagles post weekend’s most dominant performance
The ‘machine’ known as Military Magnet continues to roll along in Class A.
The Lady Eagles led from start to finish in 70-21 rout of Great Falls. They were already ahead 16-2 before the Lady Red Devils made their second and last field goal of the first quarter.
Eighth-grader Mariah Brown provided problems on both sides of the basketball. She outscored the entire Great Falls’ roster with 25 points, seven rebounds and was one of five players with three or more steals.
Guard Xahar Pinckney had a team-high five of their 17 steals while also forcing 31 turnovers.
In leading as many as 51 points, Military Magnet kept Greats Falls in double digits in all four quarters. In fact, the 28 points scored in the second quarter to go up 50-13 at halftime was more than Great Falls’ entire scoring output.
This was the fifth state title in six state title appearances in seven years by Military Magnet. Great Falls was making its first championship appearance since 1979.
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