27 March 2016•Update: 29 March 2016
WASHINGTON
Democrat presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders secured victories in Alaska and Washington state late Saturday as he narrowed the gap against rival Hillary Clinton.
Washington was the greatest prize with the votes of 101 delegates at stake. Alaska offered 16 and Hawaii 25.
The race in Hawaii had still not been called at midnight eastern local time (0400 GMT).
Ahead of Saturday’s contest, Sanders trailed Clinton by around 300 delegates.
Speaking to supporters in Madison, Wisconsin, Sanders said his victories were part of a surge in support, citing earlier victories in Utah and Idaho. “Don't let anyone tell you we can't win the nomination, or win the general election,” he said. “We're going to do both of those things.”
Sanders’ wins reiterate his dominance in heavily white states but he lags behind Clinton amongst black and Hispanic voters, who will be decisive in major elections in California, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The next contest will be on April 5 in Wisconsin.
