Trump leads in South Carolina GOP support, while Haley polls at 25%
Former President Donald Trump Maintains Strong Support in South Carolina Poll
Former President Donald Trump continues to hold the support of more than half of South Carolina Republicans in a new poll, while former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has managed to notch 25% in her home state.
With less than two weeks until the first 2024 Republican nominating contest in Iowa and roughly seven weeks from the South Carolina Republican primary, Trump boasts 54% support among South Carolina GOP primary voters. In the new Emerson College Polling survey of South Carolina voters, Haley earned the second-most support, with a quarter of the group backing her.
Trump Seeks to ‘Win Big’ in Iowa Kill Shot
No other candidates managed to break out of single digits. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) posted 7%, while former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie received 5%, and Vivek Ramaswamy saw 3%. An additional 6% of Republican primary voters were undecided.
“The current state of the race in South Carolina finds Trump as the frontrunner with Haley as his main opponent. DeSantis has seen a decline in support, and similar to our New Hampshire poll has faded into the pack with single-digit support,” Executive Director of Emerson College Polling Spencer Kimball said.
According to the Emerson poll, voters who consider themselves independents are more likely to choose her, at 37%, whereas 33% opt for Trump. But with Republicans, Trump leads Haley significantly, with 62% to her 21%.
Those who said they were “very likely” to vote more often chose Trump, with 57% doing so. Of the group, 24% picked Haley. The numbers are much closer among South Carolinians who said they were “somewhat likely” to vote. Among them, 34% chose Trump, while 31% opted for Haley.
“A key question arising from this poll is whether Haley can mobilize ample support in her home state before the primary, in the case the race becomes more competitive after New Hampshire,” Kimball said.
As the field continues to narrow and is expected to do so more after the first two elections in Iowa and New Hampshire, analysts expect to see more movement among South Carolina Republicans. But departures by other 2024 primary candidates aren’t necessarily guaranteed to deliver their supporters to Haley, who seems to be emerging as the preferred Trump alternative in the 2024 race.
“Haley currently earns the support of a plurality of Christie voters, 44%, as their second choice for the nomination, but others split their vote between the top candidates,” according to Senior Director at Emerson College Polling Matt Taglia.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
He further noted that “with limited undecided voters, a path for Haley in South Carolina could depend on converting some of these first and second choices.”
South Carolina’s Republican primary will take place Feb. 24.
According to the Emerson College Poll, who is currently the clear frontrunner in South Carolina for the upcoming Republican primary?
Clear frontrunner,” said Emerson College Polling director Spencer Kimball. “Despite not holding public office, Trump maintains a strong base of support in the state, which will likely play a crucial role in the upcoming Republican primary.”
The poll, conducted from January 10-12, interviewed 550 South Carolina likely Republican primary voters and has a margin of error of +/- 4.5%.
Former President Trump’s continued dominance in South Carolina comes as no surprise. The state was a strong supporter of his during both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Trump won the South Carolina Republican primary in 2016 with over 32% of the vote, solidifying his standing as the Republican nominee. In the general election, he carried the state with a comfortable 55% of the vote.
This strong support in South Carolina can be attributed to a combination of factors. Trump’s “America First” policy approach, which emphasized prioritizing American interests over global alliances, resonated with many South Carolina voters who felt left behind by the traditional Republican establishment. Additionally, Trump’s strong stance on immigration and border security found support among the state’s conservative base.
Furthermore, Trump’s outsider status and confrontational style endeared him to many South Carolina voters who were looking for a leader willing to challenge the political establishment. His ability to speak directly to the concerns of blue-collar workers and his promises to bring back jobs and revive the economy were key factors that attracted strong support in the state.
As the 2024 Republican primary approaches, it is evident that Trump’s base of support in South Carolina remains steadfast. His continued popularity among Republican voters in the state poses a challenge for other potential candidates, including Nikki Haley, who hail from South Carolina. While Haley’s 25% support in her home state is respectable, it pales in comparison to Trump’s commanding lead.
However, it is important to note that the political landscape can shift rapidly, especially as the 2024 primary season unfolds. Other candidates may gain momentum and attract more support as the campaign progresses. But for now, Trump’s strong support in South Carolina highlights the continued influence he holds within the Republican Party and raises questions about the prospects of challengers seeking to dethrone him as the GOP frontrunner.
The South Carolina primary, scheduled for February 19, 2024, will be a crucial test for all Republican candidates. Its outcome will provide valuable insights into the race and could set the tone for the rest of the primary season. As the candidates gear up for intense campaigning and seek to sway undecided voters, Trump’s dominance in South Carolina serves as a reminder that he remains a formidable force in the Republican Party, even after leaving office.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
