In the 2024 Republican primary election in South Carolina, the voters seem to be looking at the candidates’ qualifications on a national level rather than focusing on local ties. Although most voters approve of Nikki Haley’s time as the state’s governor, they don’t weigh her South Carolina connections as a significant factor when considering the party’s nomination. This gives a significant advantage to Donald Trump in the state, mirroring his national dominance among Republicans. Additionally, Trump’s voters in South Carolina are firmly decided in their support, making it challenging for Haley to sway them with arguments about electability or chaos.
In this Republican primary, Trump is preferred over Haley by nearly half the party’s voters, a significant sign of his strong support. Contrary to Haley, Trump is seen as embodying the “MAGA” movement, which further solidifies his standing amongst the party. Notably, Trump’s approval rating for his time as president is significantly higher than Haley’s rating as governor, adding to his favorability among voters. Overall, this data suggests that South Carolina’s Republican primary voters are leaning heavily in favor of Donald Trump, with his strong national standing overshadowing local connections.