South Carolina has a rich presidential voting history, with a primarily red state that has participated in every election except one. Following the state’s secession from the Union, it opted out of the 1864 election between Abraham Lincoln and George B. McClellan. Lincoln went on to win overwhelmingly, with 91% of the electoral vote and 55% of the popular vote.
The state was primarily Democratic until the parties realigned in the 1960s. South Carolina didn’t decide on another Republican candidate until 88 years after the 1876 election. President Lyndon B. Johnson won over South Carolina’s choice, Barry Goldwater, in 1964.
The state’s last Democratic nominee was Jimmy Carter in 1976, where 56% of South Carolina voters cast their ballot for him. In the most recent election, Donald Trump defeated Joe Biden in South Carolina with 55% of the popular vote.
As the 2024 election approaches, Trump is hopeful for continued Republican success in the state. Whoever wins the popular vote in South Carolina will add nine electoral votes to their belt. This history highlights the changing political landscape of South Carolina and the importance of the state in presidential elections.
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