While the young generation is liberal on the issue of gay marriage, that is not true on the abortion issue, and especially not true among young Republicans on the abortion issue. We are probably also more likely to view it as a top concern, I would think. And, actually, in gubernatorial and senatorial races, social conservatives often do better than moderates with young voters (see: Joni Ernst vs. Scott Brown in 2014).
OP was refering to Presidential GOP primary contenders.
Also consider that 12% of NH voters are white evangelicals while in iowa its 38%.
The premise is largely true, though. Everyone here is in denial about it, but social conservatives are presently winning in a rout on every major cultural issue except gay rights.
