The polls in the state of Utah closed at 10:00 p.m ET on Tuesday, with various outlets currently projecting Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as the victor.
According to the New York Times, as of this writing, the socialist Senator from Vermont picked up 32,888 votes out of 104,254 with 6 delegates won so far out of 29. Trailing closely behind Sanders is former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg with 19% of the vote – 19,759 overall. Bloomberg is trailed closely behind by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) with 15.3% of the vote. Former Vice President Joe Biden currently stands in fourth place behind the senator with just 13.5%.
The big talk, of course, is Mike Bloomberg’s surprising turnout in the state by coming behind Bernie Sanders far ahead of his competitor Joe Biden. According to journalist Nick Corasanti, Bloomberg made a huge play for Utah, spending upwards of $3 million in the state.
“Bloomberg had made a play for Utah,” said Corasanti. “He spent $3 million there on ads, proportionally small for him but significant in the state, and campaigned in Salt Lake City.”
Bernie Sanders supporters celebrated the win, seeing it as a positive sign that socialist could close out the night strong despite a rough start in eastern and southern states.
“Bernie wins the Great State of Utah because Establishment Democrats have no sway at all in Utah,” tweeted Michael Tracey.
UPDATE:
With 68% reporting, Bernie Sanders still holds a commanding lead at 34% – 55,229; Michael Bloomberg stands in second place at 17.3% – 28,186; Joe Biden at 16.4% – 26,748.