South Carolina Republican Voters Lean Towards ‘America First’ Stance on Russia and Immigration, AP VoteCast Finds
In a recent survey conducted by AP VoteCast, it has been revealed that many voters in South Carolina’s Republican primary lean towards a more isolationist stance when it comes to Russia and immigration. This shift in sentiment reflects the impact of former President Donald Trump’s “America First” ideology, which has reshaped the traditional Cold War-era GOP establishment.
The survey, conducted on the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and following the death of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, highlights the lukewarm feelings towards NATO among South Carolina’s GOP electorate. Approximately 60% of respondents oppose continuing aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, indicating a skepticism about the value of confronting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Moreover, only about one-third of voters described America’s participation in NATO as “very good,” with more leaning towards the sentiment that it is only “somewhat good.”
However, this shift towards isolationism does not translate into complete disengagement from global affairs. While most GOP voters still support aid for Israel in its war against Hamas, the primary concerns lie within the United States itself. Republican voters in South Carolina, particularly those choosing between Trump and former Governor Nikki Haley, perceive internal threats as more significant than external ones.
Immigration remains a key issue for Republican voters, with approximately 80% favoring the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, around three-quarters of respondents believe that immigrants do more harm than good to the country. This sentiment resonates across the Republican primary contest, indicating a nationalized electorate with shared beliefs and priorities.
The AP VoteCast survey provides insight into the demographics of South Carolina’s Republican primary voters. The majority of participants are older, white individuals without college degrees. While South Carolina is a racially diverse state, about 90% of Republican voters in this election are white, with approximately half identifying as white evangelical Christians. The survey also reveals that approximately one-third of voters live in military households, while two-thirds live in homes with firearms. Most voters identify as conservatives, with 60% expressing support for the Make America Great Again movement. Additionally, about half of the respondents live in small towns or rural communities.
Despite abortion not being the top issue for South Carolina Republicans, opinions regarding its legality vary. The uncertainty caused by the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 is reflected in the diverse views of respondents. While the majority of Republicans in South Carolina want to restrict abortion access, only around 10% believe it should be banned in all cases. Approximately 30% say it should be legal in most cases, while another 30% believe it should be illegal in most cases. The survey also reveals that around 60% of voters favor a ban on abortion at six weeks of pregnancy, and approximately three-quarters find a 15-week restriction acceptable.
Regarding the ongoing investigations involving former President Trump, the survey highlights a divide among Republican voters. Despite the possibility of multiple criminal convictions against Trump this year, a relatively small proportion of respondents believe he acted illegally in any of the legal cases against him. About three-quarters of South Carolina voters view the charges against Trump as political attempts to undermine him, rather than legitimate efforts to enforce the law. This sentiment is consistent with the views expressed by Republican voters in Iowa and New Hampshire.
The survey also sheds light on the opinions of South Carolina Republicans towards the state’s senators. Approximately 60% of respondents hold a favorable opinion of Senator Tim Scott, who endorsed Trump after his short-lived run for president. Scott is being considered as a possible vice-presidential pick by Trump. On the other hand, Senator Lindsey Graham, who initially ran against Trump in the 2016 primaries but later became his ally, has a less favorable rating among voters, with about half expressing an unfavorable opinion.
The AP VoteCast survey provides valuable insights into the mindset and priorities of South Carolina’s Republican voters. The shift towards an “America First” stance on Russia and immigration, coupled with concerns about internal threats and the prioritization of issues such as immigration, reflects the impact of former President Trump’s ideology on the GOP electorate. As the primary contests progress, it will be interesting to see how these sentiments shape the future of the Republican Party.