Republican Candidates Vie for South Carolina Primary Victory in Bid Against Trump

The South Carolina primary is heating up as Republican candidates seek to challenge former President Donald Trump’s frontrunner status. At a recent barbecue event in South Carolina, Senator Tim Scott, a key contender, worked the crowd, emphasizing his campaign’s message as he mingled among attendees enjoying pulled pork and baked beans.

Meanwhile, Casey DeSantis, the first lady of Florida, stood in for her husband, Governor Ron DeSantis, who was preoccupied with Hurricane Idalia response efforts. Earlier in the day, former Governor Nikki Haley drew an overflowing crowd at an event located 130 miles to the northeast, highlighting the significance of South Carolina in the race for the Republican nomination.

South Carolina’s Republican primary traditionally serves as a last chance for White House hopefuls to gain momentum before Super Tuesday. In all but one primary since 1980, the winner in South Carolina has secured the party’s nomination. However, Trump’s strong lead both in the state and nationally poses a significant challenge to his competitors.

A recent July poll from Fox Business indicated that while Scott, Haley, and DeSantis each garnered double-digit support, Trump maintained a substantial lead of over 30 points. Scott and Haley, being home-state candidates, face additional pressure to secure a victory in South Carolina. However, their presence on the ballot may split the vote, potentially opening a path for DeSantis to secure a higher position, even third or fourth place.

Dave Wilson, a conservative political strategist in the state, remarked, “In a split vote like this, you can’t help but think that Donald Trump has the natural advantage over everybody else because he just has to win one more vote than second place.”

The diverse opinions of voters in South Carolina reflect the fragmented field. Debra Donnan, a 52-year-old former postal worker, expressed optimism for both Trump and DeSantis but also lauded Scott as a strong candidate. Irene Gatton, a 78-year-old retired nurse, praised Haley as “very down to earth” and “intelligent.”

Trump has secured institutional support in South Carolina, with endorsements from Senator Lindsey Graham and Governor Henry McMaster. His ability to draw massive crowds, exemplified during the July 4 weekend in Pickens, sets him apart from other candidates.

Despite participating in fewer events and skipping the first presidential debate, Trump remains a prominent figure in the Republican Party. At the recent “Faith & Freedom BBQ” in South Carolina, Senator Scott emphasized his campaign’s focus on issues such as law enforcement support, completing the U.S.-Mexico border wall, and enhancing parental choices in education. Casey DeSantis, representing her husband, Ron DeSantis, highlighted their family-oriented approach and criticized President Joe Biden.

While Haley did not attend the barbecue event, she generated enthusiasm at an earlier gathering in Indian Land, near Charlotte, North Carolina. Her debate performance and her ability to challenge her rivals resonated with attendees.

Both Haley and Scott have won statewide races in South Carolina, and they once appealed to similar voters. However, the race is now marked by uncertainty, with supporters of various candidates divided over their preferences.

Huley Shumpert, a retired engineer, suggested Scott as a potential vice president but preferred him to remain in the Senate. Brenda Shumpert, his wife, cited Haley’s pivotal decision to remove the Confederate battle flag from the statehouse grounds as a reason she wouldn’t support her for president.

Despite differing opinions, Haley’s no-nonsense approach won over some locals, including Gail Peplinski, who had previously leaned towards supporting Trump. Rick Satterfield, while praising Haley, also recognized the candidates’ struggle to position themselves as front-runners rather than runners-up in the competitive race.

“Even if she doesn’t make president, I think she’d be a great vice president, because then she could run in four years if it’s Trump,” Satterfield said.