President Joe Biden faced an unexpected setback in the American Samoa Democratic caucuses, where he was projected to have lost to a relatively unknown challenger, Jason Palmer. Despite Biden’s overall success on Super Tuesday, this defeat marks his first loss in the 2024 Democratic primary and caucus season.

According to the Associated Press, Jason Palmer secured victory with 51 votes out of the 91 cast, while Biden trailed with 40 votes. As a result, Palmer is set to receive four delegates to the Democratic National Convention, signaling a surprising turn of events for the sitting president.

American Samoa Democrats have demonstrated a tendency to diverge from mainstream candidates in the past. Notably, billionaire Michael Bloomberg carried the territory in 2020, despite significant campaign spending.

While this loss does not significantly impact Biden’s overall prospects, it underscores the challenges posed by low-turnout caucuses within the Democratic Party. The outcome highlights the enduring influence of such caucus systems, which can sometimes yield unexpected results.

On a positive note for Biden, the victory in the Iowa caucuses on Tuesday night marked a significant turnaround. Biden secured success in a mail-in caucus, a departure from his previous losses in Iowa during the 2008 and 2020 presidential campaigns. This triumph reflects Biden’s ability to adapt to different electoral landscapes and overcome past hurdles.