In a political maneuver that could reshape the GOP primary race, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has thrown her support behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. While this endorsement was widely expected, it comes at a critical moment for DeSantis, who has been trailing behind former President Donald Trump in early-state and national polls and now competes with former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley for the second position.
Reynolds delivered the endorsement at a rally in Des Moines, where she lauded DeSantis for his leadership during challenging times. She emphasized his decision to reopen Florida early during the pandemic, which put him at odds with the White House’s guidance. DeSantis has used this as a key point in his campaign, attempting to erode Trump’s significant polling advantage across the country.
A Show of Friendship
A Republican consultant familiar with Reynolds and DeSantis revealed that the two governors developed a friendship as they rejected federal lockdown guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reynolds also reportedly called Nikki Haley over the weekend to inform her of her impending endorsement of DeSantis.
Both Reynolds and DeSantis share conservative records, which include signing six-week abortion bans in their respective states. While these moves align with the preferences of Iowa’s influential evangelical population, they could pose challenges for a Republican candidate in a general election.
Endorsements in presidential races do not always have a clear, quantifiable impact, but in Iowa’s political landscape, Reynolds’ support for DeSantis is likely to resonate.
Influence on Key Evangelical Leader
Bob Vander Plaats, a prominent Iowa evangelical leader, has indicated that Reynolds’ endorsement will influence his decision regarding an endorsement in the presidential race. Vander Plaats has expressed his positive views about DeSantis, which led to Trump questioning any potential endorsement due to financial contributions from DeSantis’ campaign to Vander Plaats’ Family Leader Foundation earlier this year.
Reynolds’ endorsement of DeSantis is not only a statement of support but also a pointed rebuke of former President Trump. Trump had criticized her earlier this year, and in response to her endorsement of DeSantis, he predicted the “end of her political career.”
The effects of Reynolds’ endorsement on the GOP primary race will be closely watched as DeSantis strives to narrow the gap with Trump and secure a stronger position in the contest.
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