In an effort to gain momentum and reshape his campaign’s narrative, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been actively engaging with Iowa evangelical leaders. With Donald Trump unleashing criticism against Iowa’s Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, DeSantis sees an opportunity to appeal to this influential voting base. His appearance at The Family Leader, a prominent Christian organization known for attracting conservative pastors, could be a turning point for his campaign.
DeSantis has been investing heavily in Iowa, with his super PAC, Never Back Down, already knocking on over 165,000 doors and spending more than $4 million on ads, including some targeting Trump’s record on abortion. The PAC aims to establish five offices throughout the state and has received 5,000 nonbinding commitments from caucus-goers. DeSantis and his wife, Casey, have made frequent trips to Iowa, where they will continue to campaign before The Family Leader summit.
While DeSantis faces competition in Iowa, including former Vice President Mike Pence, who announced his presidential candidacy there, the absence of Trump from the assembly provides an opportunity for DeSantis to emerge as the frontrunner. DeSantis will be interviewed by Tucker Carlson, a well-known TV personality with a documented disdain for Trump, further positioning himself as a viable alternative. The support of Bob Vander Plaats, CEO of The Family Leader, known for backing successful Republican candidates in previous caucuses, could boost DeSantis’ campaign.
DeSantis’ alignment with Iowa’s evangelical pastors is fueled by shared concerns over funding for nonpublic schools and strict anti-abortion stances. His expansion of Florida’s voucher program, as well as signing a six-week abortion ban, aligns with the values important to these church leaders. Some evangelical leaders express confidence in DeSantis, highlighting his similarities to Reynolds and praising his consistency on key issues.
The DeSantis team has recently intensified criticism against Trump’s campaign approach in Iowa, suggesting a lack of organization and commitment to the caucus process. However, Trump’s absence is attributed to a scheduling conflict, according to his spokesperson. DeSantis emphasizes his strong track record and commitment to shared conservative values, positioning himself as a candidate who can effectively deliver on key issues.
In polling, DeSantis currently trails Trump among GOP primary voters who identify as born-again or evangelical Christians. However, among evangelical leaders in Iowa, DeSantis’ message appears to resonate. Some Christian evangelical voters are split between Trump and DeSantis, with some leaning toward DeSantis due to his perceived authenticity and conservative principles.
As DeSantis addresses The Family Leader summit and continues his campaign efforts in Iowa, his ability to connect with evangelical voters will be closely watched. His success in gaining their support could be a turning point for his campaign, allowing him to gain momentum and reshape his narrative in a highly competitive race for the presidency.
COMMENTS