"But I came from a conservative Republican background"

Christopher Meloni's quote talks to his childhood and the worths he was taught as a kid. Growing up in a conservative Republican family most likely meant that he was taught to value standard worths, such as hard work, regard for authority, and a strong sense of patriotism. He might have been taught to appreciate the rule of law and to be careful of federal government interference in the lives of residents. He might have also been taught to be fiscally accountable and to prioritize saving cash over spending it. In addition, he might have been taught to be socially conservative, implying that he was taught to be considerate of conventional gender roles and to be wary of social modification. All of these values are generally associated with conservative Republican families, and it is likely that Christopher Meloni was taught these values growing up.