Former Vice President Joe Biden is favored by 46% of Democratic primary voters in South Carolina, up 14 percentage points since last month, according to a new Post and Courier-Change Research Poll.
Why it matters: Biden has developed deep ties to the early voting state throughout his political career, having spent more days in South Carolina "visiting, vacationing or politicking than the rest of the crowded field, combined," according to the Post and Courier. His appeal with black voters will play an especially important role in next February's primary vote.
By the numbers: 90% of those polled believe Biden is the answer to beat President Trump.
- Biden: 46%
- Bernie Sanders: 15%
- Kamala Harris: 10%
- Pete Buttigieg: 8%
- Elizabeth Warren: 8%
- Cory Booker: 4%
- The remaining 14 candidates fell below 2%
Yes, but: Biden's only weakness in the state comes from younger voters ages 18–34. They largely prefer Sanders, whose progressive stances on health care and economic reform are more favorable to millennials. A majority of pollers also believe Sanders could beat Trump.
Go deeper: Everything you need to know about Joe Biden
