As early results come in from South Carolina, businessman Donald Trump is projected to defeat a field of five other candidates in Saturday's GOP primary.
Trump had 33 percent of the vote, as Sens. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio battled for second place.
"I want to congratulate the other candidates, especially Ted and Marco, they did well," Trump said to a mixed reaction from his supporters. "There is nothing easy about running for president. It is mean, it is nasty, vicious, it is beautiful."
Trump allowed his wife and daughter take the microphone for a few brief remarks.
"Thank you South Carolina. This was an amazing night, the momentum has been unbelievable. Our message resonates with so many people. Thank you for being here to support us," Trump's daughter Ivanka said.
This is Trump's second win of the campaign. He also won the New Hampshire primary on Feb. 8.
Trump's win in South Carolina comes day after Trump got into a war of words with Pope Francis, who bashed Trump for his popular policy of building a wall along the Mexico border.
Trump doubled down on his comments by reiterating that Mexico will pay for the United States to build the wall.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Ohio Gov. John Kasich battled for fourth place. Ben Carson was a distant sixth. Despite another disappointing finish for Carson, he told his supporters that he is not dropping out of the race.
Bush announced during the evening that he is dropping out of the race follow Saturday's primary.
Justin Boggs is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk.Follow him on Twitter @jjboggs or on Facebook.
