In the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley are battling for support in the crucial state of Iowa. Despite trailing behind former President Donald Trump in the polls, DeSantis remains confident in his chances, vowing to win over Iowa’s social conservative voters who hold significant influence in Republican politics. However, Haley has gained momentum in recent months and has even surpassed DeSantis in polls in New Hampshire and her home state. Now, she is determined to make a strong showing in Iowa, where she is pulling even with DeSantis in some of the latest polls.
Both candidates are making substantial efforts to secure victory in Iowa. Haley has returned to the state with over 70 new endorsements and plans to launch a $10 million ad campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire. She emphasizes that every vote counts and is determined to win over every Iowan’s support. DeSantis, on the other hand, has been fully committed to Iowa for months and has built a formidable ground game with the help of his campaign and the DeSantis-aligned super PAC Never Back Down. His efforts received a significant boost when he secured the endorsement of popular Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. Additionally, DeSantis is aiming to secure the endorsement of influential social conservative leader Bob Vander Plaats, who has previously backed successful Iowa caucus winners.
DeSantis has challenged Trump’s social conservative credentials, arguing that Haley has moved left on certain issues, positioning himself as the true conservative choice. Haley, however, remains unapologetically pro-life and emphasizes the importance of finding consensus on limiting abortions. At the Family Leader forum, where both candidates appeared, Haley received positive feedback from the audience for her stance on life issues. Despite their competition, both candidates maintain that their disagreements are not personal, with Haley acknowledging that DeSantis has been a good governor and highlighting their shared goal of saving the country.
The race between DeSantis and Haley in Iowa is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as the caucuses draw closer. With only nine weeks to go until the first votes in the GOP presidential nomination race, both candidates are working tirelessly to secure support and demonstrate their qualifications for the presidency. While DeSantis focuses on his conservative track record and military service, Haley emphasizes her experience as a governor and diplomat dealing with foreign countries. As the battle for the Republican nomination continues, the outcome in Iowa may prove crucial in shaping the future of the 2024 presidential race.
