Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is set to endorse Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the presidency at a rally in Des Moines, offering significant support to DeSantis as he competes for the GOP nomination. This endorsement comes at a crucial time as DeSantis aims to narrow the gap between himself and former President Donald Trump in the Iowa caucuses. Reynolds’ high popularity in Iowa could potentially boost DeSantis’ chances in the first contest of the 2024 GOP presidential race.
Reynolds’ Support for DeSantis
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who initially expressed a desire to remain neutral in the GOP primary, has decided to back Ron DeSantis. This shift is significant as Iowa governors traditionally stay neutral ahead of the caucuses. The last endorsement by an Iowa governor took place in 1996 when Governor Terry Branstad supported Bob Dole. Reynolds’ decision to back DeSantis marks a break from this tradition and highlights the importance of the upcoming caucuses.
DeSantis’ Focus on Iowa
DeSantis has been actively campaigning in Iowa, considering it a pivotal state to challenge Trump’s strong position. His campaign has allocated substantial resources to Iowa, with a significant staff move and a substantial ad buy. DeSantis’ extensive tours across Iowa demonstrate his commitment to winning over voters in the state.
Changing Stance by Reynolds
Governor Reynolds’ change of stance regarding neutrality in the GOP primary is notable. While she initially aimed to maintain a level playing field for all Republican candidates, Reynolds later expressed the possibility of changing her mind. This transformation in her approach suggests her growing alignment with Ron DeSantis, with the two appearing together numerous times and sharing a friendly rapport.
Trump’s Reaction
It’s worth noting that former President Donald Trump, who is a key figure in the GOP, expressed dissatisfaction with Reynolds’ neutrality and had previously endorsed her in her gubernatorial bid. However, Reynolds’ decision to remain neutral in the primary led to tension between the two. Trump’s reaction to Reynolds’ stance underscores the significance of her endorsement for DeSantis.
Conclusion
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ endorsement of Ron DeSantis provides a substantial boost to his campaign, particularly in Iowa. This endorsement comes at a crucial juncture as DeSantis seeks to challenge former President Donald Trump in the Iowa caucuses, and it demonstrates the importance of the state in the 2024 GOP presidential race.
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