In the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has received a significant boost with an endorsement from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. The endorsement comes as polls indicate that DeSantis is trailing former President Donald Trump, the front-runner, by a considerable margin in both Iowa and national surveys. Reynolds, a popular two-term GOP governor, will join DeSantis as a “special guest” at his campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa, solidifying her support for his presidential bid.
Iowa holds a crucial role in the White House race, as its caucuses have traditionally kicked off the GOP presidential nominating calendar for the past 50 years. Reynolds had faced criticism earlier this year from Trump for her pledge to remain neutral in the nomination race, which aligns with the stance of previous Iowa governors. However, her endorsement of DeSantis suggests a shift in her position and highlights the growing support for the Florida governor.
DeSantis has focused the majority of his campaign efforts in Iowa in recent months, visiting 87 of the state’s 99 counties. Despite his dedication, Trump maintains a commanding lead in the race for the nomination, having seen his support increase during the spring and summer months. Trump’s recent indictments on federal and state charges related to his attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election have surprisingly not diminished his popularity among Republican voters.
While DeSantis secures crucial support from Reynolds, he faces challenges from Trump’s camp. Last week, seven state legislators from Florida, including five Republicans who had previously supported DeSantis, switched their endorsements to Trump. This shift in support underscores the intense competition between DeSantis and Trump for Republican backing.
Another important endorsement that observers are closely watching is that of New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. As the first primary and second overall contest in the Republican presidential nominating calendar, New Hampshire holds significant weight in the race. Sununu, a vocal critic of Trump within the GOP, has campaigned alongside DeSantis but has not yet announced his endorsement. Recent polls show that former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has surpassed DeSantis to secure second place in New Hampshire and her home state of South Carolina, which holds the fourth contest in the GOP schedule.
As the 2024 campaign trail heats up, it remains to be seen how DeSantis and Trump will continue to vie for Republican support. The endorsement from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds adds momentum to DeSantis’ campaign, but Trump’s enduring popularity among Republican voters poses a significant challenge. Observers are also eagerly awaiting Governor Chris Sununu’s endorsement, which could further reshape the dynamics of the race. Stay tuned for the latest updates and exclusive interviews from the 2024 campaign trail at our Digital election hub.
