Republican Hard and Soft Count Delegate Summary Total Delegates: 2,286 (1144 needed to win) 2012 Presidential Primaries, Caucuses, and Conventions Chronologically This is a good chart to study to get a feel for the delegate "count" jungle. And think about this when you hear a candidate or their PAC "demand" another candidate withdraw. (Newt and Rick are very close in the count -- actually Newt looks potentially stronger). The candidates know these numbers and they play the MSM and the MSM plays us. Stay informed.