Analysis of GOP Super Tuesday Exit Polls in California, Virginia, and North Carolina

The 2024 Super Tuesday primary contests have wrapped up, with voters in over a dozen states casting their ballots and delivering the largest number of delegates available on any single day during the presidential primary campaign. According to CBS News exit polls in California, Virginia, and North Carolina, here’s a look at what was on the minds of some of the GOP Super Tuesday primary voters.

In California, Donald Trump scored a commanding win, sweeping men, women, White and non-White voters, moderates, conservatives, Republicans, independents, and voters of all age groups and education levels. Despite a diverse electorate, Trump emerged victorious among all groups.

Moving to Virginia, most Republican primary voters believe Trump is very likely to defeat President Biden in the general election. In contrast, only one in five voters think the same for Nikki Haley. This perception contrasts with the latest CBS News national poll, which gives Haley a 9-point advantage over Biden among likely voters.

In North Carolina, Trump won widespread, strong support across demographic groups, capturing majorities of men, women, younger and older voters, evangelical voters, and those who identify as “very conservative.” Immigration was a top issue for North Carolina voters, and those who prioritized it overwhelmingly supported Trump.

Haley, on the other hand, fared better among moderates and voters with college degrees but ultimately fell short of Trump’s widespread support. Throughout the GOP primary campaign, voters have been seeking a candidate who shares their values and fights for them, a trait that Trump has consistently demonstrated.

The top issues on Republican voters’ minds across these states were the economy and immigration, outranking abortion and foreign policy. Trump holds a significant advantage over Haley on handling the economy, border security, and international crises.

Despite some division on a national abortion ban, most voters reject the notion that Trump is mentally unfit for office. Additionally, a majority of voters believe Trump would still be fit to serve even if convicted of a crime.

Looking ahead, most Haley voters are not committed to supporting the GOP nominee, while Trump supporters are more likely to back the nominee regardless of who it is. As the primary season concludes, the focus now shifts to the general election and the ultimate showdown between the Republican nominee and President Biden.