Numerous surveys through the years have shown that this split is not new. Most recently, the Utah Foundation, an independent research group, found in 2016 that Republican delegates are more politically homogeneous than registered party members statewide, and that the two groups have different priorities.
For instance, Republican voters listed health care as their top priority, while delegates listed states’ rights.
Representation also is skewed. Women made up 56 percent of the Republican electorate but comprised only 24 percent of delegates, the survey found.
