Who is Jason Palmer, the Democrat who delivered Biden his first primary defeat?

CNN —

President Joe Biden was handed his first defeat so far in the Democratic presidential primary by a man who very few knew before Tuesday night: venture capitalist Jason Palmer.

The little-known candidate from Baltimore won the American Samoa Democratic nominating contest. While Palmer won in the tiny US territory – where fewer than 100 people participate in the caucus – it will not slow Biden’s commanding march to the Democratic nomination after the president dominated Super Tuesday races across the country.

“Honored to announce my victory in the American Samoa presidential primary. Thank you to the incredible community for your support. This win is a testament to the power of our voices. Together, we can rebuild the American Dream and shape a brighter future for all,” Palmer said in a post on X.

A Palmer campaign official told CNN the candidate had three full time campaign staffers on the ground but did not visit the island himself, instead appearing virtually at events.

Nikki Haley, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

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Palmer told CNN’s Laura Coates in an interview early Wednesday he was “surprised” by his Tuesday win.

“I’m just proud to say my local team did a fantastic job, and I think our message really resonated about focusing on education, health care, and climate change,” Palmer said.

While he lauded Biden for his “tremendous service,” Palmer called on the president to “pass the torch to the next generation of Americans” and said he’ll continue his presidential campaign.

Palmer, who’s never held political office, launched his ambitious bid for the White House in November. He’s currently a partner at New Markets Venture Partners,