Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has received significant support from pastors and faith leaders in Iowa, just days before the Iowa caucuses. With 50 new endorsements, bringing his total to over 150, DeSantis is confident in the strength of his campaign. These faith leaders cited DeSantis’ unwavering faith and his track record of defending religious liberty in Florida as reasons for their support.
Pastor Jeff Moes of Sunnybrook Community Church expressed his trust in DeSantis to unite the nation and revive America, stating, “Other candidates talk, but Ron DeSantis is a true man of unwavering faith and defender of religious liberty who we can trust to unite our nation and revive America.” Pastor AJ Potter of Pleasantville Baptist Church also commended DeSantis for his political convictions based on principles of faith and a Christian worldview.
DeSantis has actively targeted evangelical voters, launching his Faith and Family Coalition in September. The coalition aims to defend religious freedom and promote a culture of life. This strategy has resonated with influential evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats, president and CEO of The Family Leader organization in Iowa. Vander Plaats, who has endorsed DeSantis and campaigned on his behalf, has historically played a crucial role in Iowa’s Republican politics, where evangelical voters hold significant sway.
However, a recent poll conducted by Suffolk University suggests that former ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has surpassed DeSantis for a distant second place behind former President Trump. The poll of 500 likely Iowa GOP caucus participants revealed Trump with 54% support, Haley with 20%, and DeSantis with 13%. This shift in rankings occurred following a primetime debate between Haley and DeSantis in Iowa, while Trump participated in a town hall.
Despite this development, DeSantis remains optimistic and grateful for the support he has received from pastors and faith leaders. With the Iowa caucuses just around the corner, DeSantis aims to leverage his endorsements and continue to appeal to voters based on his strong faith and commitment to defending religious liberty.
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, a breaking news writer for Digital and Fox Business based in Orlando, Florida, contributed to this report. For story tips and ideas, she can be reached at [email protected] and on X: @s_rumpfwhitten. Stay updated on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content by subscribing to this newsletter.
