Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to receive a significant endorsement from influential Iowa social conservative leader Bob Vander Plaats. The endorsement, along with the recent backing from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, is expected to give DeSantis a strong advantage in the upcoming GOP primary race. Vander Plaats, who serves as the president and CEO of The Family Leader organization, will announce his endorsement during an interview with Bret Baier on “Special Report.” DeSantis expressed his hopefulness to secure the endorsement, emphasizing the importance of Vander Plaats’ support.
DeSantis, along with potential 2024 GOP White House rivals Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, appeared alongside Vander Plaats at a presidential forum in Des Moines, Iowa. The forum showcased DeSantis as a favorable candidate among attendees, strengthening his relationship with Vander Plaats. Former President Donald Trump, the leading contender for the Republican nomination, declined to attend the forum, a decision that Vander Plaats remarked communicates a lot to their base.
The endorsement from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds earlier this month has also given DeSantis a significant boost in his campaign. Reynolds, who enjoys popularity among Hawkeye State Republicans, has helped DeSantis reshape a negative narrative surrounding his candidacy. Vander Plaats has praised DeSantis throughout the year, stating that while Reynolds’ endorsement will factor into his decision, it will not solely determine his endorsement.
DeSantis acknowledged the combined support from Iowa’s governor, state lawmakers, officials, and the potential Vander Plaats endorsement, highlighting the strength of their network. He emphasized the power of their collective support and predicted that the conventional wisdom regarding the primary race would be upended by the results in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Vander Plaats is an influential social conservative leader in Iowa, where evangelical voters play a crucial role in Republican politics. He has previously endorsed Mike Huckabee in 2008, Rick Santorum in 2012, and Ted Cruz in 2016, all of whom won the Iowa caucuses but fell short of securing the GOP presidential nomination.
While Trump’s political allies have downplayed the significance of a Vander Plaats endorsement, DeSantis remains optimistic about its impact. Veteran Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio argued in a recent memo that a Vander Plaats endorsement would have no significant impact on the caucuses, citing polling conducted in September. Vander Plaats responded, stating that his endorsement only represents one vote and that he is aware of the fears it may evoke from his critics.
In a surprising turn of events, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley also received an endorsement from another influential social conservative leader in Iowa, Marlys Popma. Popma voiced her full support for Haley during a town hall event, solidifying Haley’s position in the race. The question now remains whether these endorsements can make a dent in Trump’s commanding lead over the rest of the field.
While endorsements can bring attention to a campaign, Iowa caucus goers prioritize meeting with candidates and having their policy questions answered. Nicole Schlinger, an Iowa-based strategist with close ties to evangelicals, emphasized the importance of candidates sealing the deal with voters after endorsements have been made.
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