The 2024 Republican primary election in South Carolina is showing a strong favoritism towards Donald Trump, despite Nikki Haley’s popularity in the state. This indicates a shift from local politics to a national focus when it comes to the party’s nomination. Haley, who served as the state’s governor, is struggling to appeal to the party voters, especially the “MAGA” faction, as well as in comparison to Trump. The former president holds a strong advantage and is seen as more prepared, a strong leader, and a fighter for the people by most voters.
Furthermore, Haley’s campaign arguments about electability and chaos are not resonating with voters, as almost nine in 10 Trump supporters are firmly decided on their choice. Trump’s approval rating for his time as president is significantly higher than Haley’s as governor, and he also outperforms her in various other descriptors and policy approaches. Additionally, the evangelical composition of the electorate in South Carolina further solidifies Trump’s backing, particularly on issues such as abortion. Overall, the survey suggests that Trump has a substantial edge over Haley in the state’s primary election.
The CBS News/YouGov survey, conducted with a representative sample of 1,483 registered voters in South Carolina, including 1,004 likely Republican primary voters, reveals the strong support for Trump among the party’s voters in the state. The national significance of their choice, the favorability of Trump’s leadership qualities and policy approaches, as well as the influence of evangelical voters, are key factors indicating a clear advantage for the former president in the upcoming primary election.
