By Andy Brack | Despite all of the legal trials and tribulations faced by former President Donald Trump, just over half of South Carolina Republican primary voters prefer him to any of the other candidates in a dwindling GOP presidential field.
A new Winthrop Poll shows Trump is the preferred candidate of 52.2% of Republican voters in the Palmetto State. His next closest challenger with three months left before the February 2024 primary is native daughter and former Gov. Nikki Haley, who was preferred by 16.9% of voters. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C, nabbed 9.7% of GOP support, but he dropped out on the last day of polling. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis secured support of 11.7% of voters according to the poll of 1,655 voters. An October poll showed similar results.
“Haley continues her steady lead over DeSantis for the distant second choice among South Carolinians,” Winthrop Poll director Scott Huffmon said in a release. “With Tim Scott’s surprising departure from the race, Haley will see how many ‘favorite son’ voters can be converted to ‘favorite daughter’ voters.
“This should give Haley a little more room in seeking non-Trump endorsements from Republican politicians and leaders in the state.”
Other poll results:
Approval ratings: Among Republicans, Democrats and independents, President Joe Biden got a 31% job approval rating, compared to 36% for U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; 50% for Gov. Henry McMaster; and 52% for Scott.
Favorability. Haley had a 59% favorability rating among all respondents, compared to 45% for Trump.
Middle East. Two in three of those surveyed said supporting Israel was in the interest of the United States. Just under 60% said their sympathies were more with the Israelis than Palestinians.
Confederate monuments. South Carolinians were split on what to do with monuments or memorials to Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. Some 36% said to leave them as they are; 30% said to leave them but add a contextual marker; 22% said they should be moved to a museum; and 8% said they should be removed completely.
Confederate flag. Just over four in 10 respondents said the Confederate flag was a symbol of Southern pride and a third said it represented racial conflict. Twenty percent said it reflected both equally.
- More results: Winthrop Poll.
- Have a comment? Send to: feedback@statehousereport.com
We Can Do Better, South Carolina!