Iowa State Senator Jeff Reichman has made a significant political shift, announcing his support for Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign after previously endorsing Donald Trump. This move comes in response to Trump’s recent attack on popular Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who has shown warmth towards DeSantis as a rival for the GOP nomination. Reichman’s endorsement underscores the importance of unity among Iowa Republicans in countering President Joe Biden’s policies while highlighting the parallels between DeSantis’ accomplishments in Florida and Reynolds’ successes in Iowa.
State Senator Jeff Reichman, in his first term, officially threw his support behind Ron DeSantis on Thursday, emphasizing his admiration for Governor Kim Reynolds. Reichman highlighted the need for unity among Iowa Republicans to reclaim the nation and reverse Biden’s perceived failures. He lauded DeSantis for achieving commonsense policy victories in Florida, paralleling the achievements of Governor Reynolds in Iowa. Reichman expressed confidence that DeSantis would deliver historic success for the conservative movement as president.
Donald Trump launched an attack on Governor Kim Reynolds following a New York Times report that highlighted her frequent appearances with the DeSantis campaign. Trump released a statement on Monday, expressing disappointment with Reynolds’ neutrality in the primary race, claiming that he had previously endorsed her and suggesting that she owes her position as governor to him.
The Trump campaign responded dismissively to Reichman’s defection. Spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized those perceived as weak-kneed and lily-livered, asserting that they have no place on Team Trump. Cheung further accused the DeSantis campaign of luring Reichman with promises of fundraising support and endorsements, claiming that no fundraisers with DeSantis had been scheduled for those who had supposedly benefited.
Contrary to the Trump campaign’s dismissal, DeSantis plans to actively fundraise for Iowa Republicans, including Senator Reichman and others who have pledged their support. This demonstrates the DeSantis campaign’s commitment to building relationships and garnering support among influential figures in Iowa’s political landscape.
DeSantis’ spokesperson, Andrew Romeo, responded to the Trump campaign’s accusations, asserting that Trump’s campaign is losing momentum in Iowa and is now resorting to lashing out at former supporters. This response characterized Trump’s actions as indicative of a failing campaign. Furthermore, Trump has faced criticism from some Iowa Republicans for skipping recent events, such as the Family Leadership Summit and an event hosted by Senator Joni Ernst. However, Trump is scheduled to campaign in the state next week and is expected to appear at an Iowa GOP dinner later this month.
With the endorsement of Senator Jeff Reichman, Ron DeSantis now enjoys the support of 38 Iowa state legislators, consolidating his influence within the state and solidifying his position as a prominent contender for the GOP nomination.
The defection of Iowa State Senator Jeff Reichman from Donald Trump to Ron DeSantis underscores the importance of unified support within the Iowa Republican Party. Reichman’s endorsement, influenced by DeSantis’ accomplishments and policy alignment with Governor Kim Reynolds, highlights the need for conservatives to unite in countering President Biden’s agenda. While Trump’s criticisms and absence from recent Iowa events have drawn criticism from within his own party, DeSantis continues to build support among Iowa Republicans, positioning himself as a prominent contender for the GOP nomination.
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