Trump And South Carolina Evangelicals

In South Carolina, a stronghold of white evangelicals, concerns about a thrice-married former casino owner and reality TV star facing legal issues have not deterred support for Donald Trump. Despite Trump’s controversial personal history, his influence over this traditionally values-driven constituency remains unshaken. The once-crucial litmus tests on personal rectitude and policy adherence have evolved, with Trump’s transactional approach captivating and transforming the white evangelical voting bloc in the Republican Party.

South Carolina, with its significant population of white evangelicals, serves as a prominent indicator of this shift. White evangelicals constitute the state’s largest religious group, making up around 22 percent of all religious affiliations. Unlike in Iowa, where this group accounts for about 18 percent, South Carolina provides a clearer view of the evolving sentiments among these voters.

A recent Monmouth poll revealed that 69 percent of the state’s white evangelicals support Trump. When asked about this overwhelming support, Sen. Tim Scott emphasized Trump’s policy achievements, such as tax cuts, without delving into the former president’s character. The emphasis on policy wins appears to be a driving factor for many voters, who view Trump’s legislative accomplishments as beneficial to the country.

Trump, speaking at the 2024 National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention, aimed to solidify this pragmatic alliance with the evangelical community. He emphasized the purported incongruity of Christians voting for Democrats, resonating with the sentiments of many South Carolina voters.

However, this transformation of white evangelicals into a more policy-focused interest group rather than one emphasizing personal integrity perplexes some, including former Gov. Mark Sanford. Sanford, who faced his own personal scandal, expressed bewilderment at the turnaround of those who once criticized him but now support Trump. He sees Trump’s ability to reshape a constituency that once prioritized personal integrity as a short-term phenomenon, potentially yielding unintended consequences in the long run.