Poll Shows Trump Leading Harris by 12 Percent in South Carolina Ahead of Election

Poll Indicates Trump Ahead in South Carolina on Eve of Election

Charleston, South Carolina – As the election buzz continues to intensify in the Palmetto State, a recent poll conducted by The Citadel reveals some intriguing insights into voter preferences ahead of the big day. The poll, which surveyed 1,242 registered voters statewide between October 17 and October 25, shows that former President Donald Trump is enjoying a significant lead over Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump’s Commanding Lead

According to the data, Trump is outpacing Harris by a notable 12 percent, with the numbers clocking in at 54% for Trump and 42% for Harris. This difference is well beyond the poll’s 3.6% margin of error, which suggests a solid footing for Trump among likely voters in South Carolina. Many voters who prioritize Harris have similarly voiced their reluctance to back Trump primarily because they believe he “should not be in power.” That sentiment seems to be a recurring theme as we delve deeper into voter perceptions across the state.

Trust Dynamics in South Carolina

One key area where voters express a preference for Trump is on issues concerning community safety, foreign policy, and even tackling the rising cost of living. His supporters also trust him more than Harris when it comes to immigration and the vital task of uniting the country. With these topics striking a chord with many, it’s no wonder that Trump appears to be securing a robust level of support in the state.

Comparative Landscape in Georgia

The Citadel isn’t just looking closely at South Carolina, but also at neighboring Georgia. In a similar survey of 1,218 voters in Georgia, Trump holds a smaller, yet competitive lead at 49% to 47% for Harris, which falls within the 2.8% margin of error. Interestingly, the dynamic in Georgia reveals that while Trump is regarded as focused on significant policies by many voters, he faces a unique challenge. Voters in Georgia seem to trust him over Harris on various issues, except for the crucial aspect of uniting the country.

Breaking Down the Numbers by Demographics

Digging into the demographics of support in South Carolina provides some compelling insights. The survey paints a striking picture among different communities. Among Black women in South Carolina, Trump’s support remains rather dismal at only 8%, with Harris receiving a whopping 79%. Surprisingly, even among Black men, Harris continues to dominate with 75% favorability compared to only 21% for Trump. The real strength of Trump’s support is apparent among white voters. Specifically, he boasts a staggering 67% support among white women and an impressive 70% among white men.

Look at Charleston and Beyond

Zooming in on specific urban areas, Charleston shows Trump with 52% support compared to Harris’s 44%. Just a tad further inland in Columbia, Harris has a slight lead at 51% to Trump’s 45%. However, when we venture to the Upstate and Florence, Trump’s dominance becomes more pronounced. It’s fascinating to see how these local numbers reflect broader state trends.

What History Tells Us

For context, in the 2016 elections, Trump triumphed in South Carolina with 54.9% of the vote, and he increased his share slightly in 2020 with 55.1%. However, it’s essential to note that his margin over President Joe Biden was slightly narrower at 12%. Over in Georgia, Trump clinched the state with 51.3% against Hillary Clinton in 2016, but his luck turned in 2020 as Biden took Georgia with 50%, edging out Trump by a slim 0.3% margin.

Looking Ahead

With the election day looming, this polling data serves as a snapshot of the political landscape in South Carolina and Georgia. It illustrates not only voter preferences but also the various themes and issues that are crucial to them as they make their choices. As the atmosphere heats up, it will be fascinating to see how these dynamics play out in the coming elections.