Exit poll results from North Carolina reveal insights into the Republican primary race between two prominent candidates. Among Republican voters, who comprised 62% of the electorate, Donald Trump secured a significant lead over Nikki Haley with 81% support compared to her 16%. This pattern of Trump's strong support within the party has been consistent throughout the primary season.
Independents, constituting 34% of the electorate, played a crucial role in the election. Despite being a smaller share than Republicans, Trump still managed to outperform Haley among independents, garnering 49% of the vote compared to her 45%. While Haley made gains with independents, winning their support is essential for her success in future races.
College-educated voters, representing 45% of the electorate, were expected to be a stronghold for Haley. However, Trump surprisingly won over this demographic as well, securing 51% of the college vote against Haley's 45%. This outcome indicates Trump's broad appeal across different educational backgrounds.
Non-college graduates, who made up 56% of the electorate, overwhelmingly favored Trump, with 80% of their support going to him while Haley received only 15%. Trump's dominance among this group further solidified his lead in the primary race.
In summary, the exit poll results from North Carolina underscore Trump's strong performance across various voter demographics, including Republicans, independents, college graduates, and non-college educated voters. Despite Haley's efforts to make inroads with certain groups, Trump's widespread support ultimately positioned him as the frontrunner in the state's primary election.