Iowa’s Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds is expected to endorse Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president over former President Donald Trump, according to a pro-DeSantis superPAC.
This unexpected turn of events has ignited a political firestorm, with Trump lashing out at Reynolds and predicting the end of her career.
It all started when Governor Reynolds hinted at endorsing DeSantis, breaking with the tradition of neutrality typically observed by Iowa governors during the Republican nominating process.
This decision did not sit well with former President Trump, who took to his own social media platform, Truth Social, to express his disapproval.
Trump branded Reynolds as “disloyal” and warned that her endorsement of DeSantis would alienate the MAGA base, spelling doom for her political career.
Read: Trump Rails Against Judge, NY Attorney General From Witness Stand
“If and when Kim Reynolds of Iowa endorses Ron DeSanctimonious, who is absolutely dying in the polls both in Iowa and Nationwide, it will be the end of her political career in that MAGA would never support her again, just as MAGA will never support DeSanctimonious again. Two extremely disloyal people getting together is, however, a very beautiful thing to watch. They can now remain loyal to each other because nobody else wants them!!!” said Donald Trump.
“Kim Reynolds told me that she was going to remain NEUTRAL because Iowa was, “Thank you President Trump,” FIRST IN THE NATION. She wanted to campaign with everyone. I told her that I should have “remained neutral” when she asked me to help her get elected, and that I didn’t want or need her to campaign with me. I am now 41+Points up in Iowa!” Trump added.
Governor Kim Reynolds, who previously enjoyed Trump’s endorsement during her own gubernatorial campaign, finds herself caught between two competing forces.
While she had initially pledged to remain neutral in the primaries, Reynolds’ decision to back DeSantis signals a shift in her political allegiance.
This move has not only drawn the ire of Trump but also defies the traditional neutrality expected of Iowa governors during the caucuses.
Read: Florida Gov. DeSantis, Former South Carolina Gov. Haley: Potent Challengers To Biden
Reynolds’ endorsement carries weight due to her popularity in Iowa, where she is serving her second term as governor.
DeSantis, recognizing the potential boost her support could provide, has made Iowa a focal point of his campaign, even redirecting a significant portion of his staff to the state.
However, Trump continues to maintain a considerable lead in the polls, presenting a formidable challenge for DeSantis and his bid for the nomination.
DeSantis and Haley: A Battle for Second Place
As the battle for Iowa’s endorsement rages on, DeSantis faces another formidable opponent in former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. Both candidates are currently tied for second place in Iowa, trailing behind Trump by a significant margin. An NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll released last week showed DeSantis and Haley neck-and-neck at 16 percent, while Trump commanded a commanding 43 percent of support.
This neck-and-neck race underscores the importance of endorsements and the potential impact they can have on a candidate’s standing. While Reynolds’ support could provide DeSantis with a much-needed boost, he still faces an uphill battle to secure the nomination in the face of Trump’s overwhelming popularity.
The Trump Factor
Donald Trump’s influence in the Republican Party cannot be understated. Despite leaving office, he continues to hold sway over the party’s base, making his endorsement a highly sought-after prize. Trump’s previous criticism of Reynolds, accusing her of favoring DeSantis over him, adds an extra layer of complexity to the endorsement battle.
“I opened up the Governor position for Kim Reynolds, & when she fell behind, I ENDORSED her, did big Rallies, & she won. Now, she wants to remain ‘NEUTRAL.’ I don’t invite her to events! DeSanctus down 45 points!” – Donald Trump
While Trump’s criticism may have caused some tension between him and Reynolds, her decision to endorse DeSantis suggests a calculated move to align herself with a rising star in the Republican Party. This calculated shift could pay dividends for DeSantis in his quest for the presidency.
The Implications for the 2024 Presidential Election
The battle for Iowa’s endorsement between DeSantis and Trump carries significant implications for the 2024 presidential election.
As the first state to hold caucuses, Iowa plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the race. A strong showing in Iowa can provide a much-needed boost for a candidate’s campaign, while a lackluster performance can be a severe blow.
If DeSantis manages to secure Reynolds’ endorsement and gain momentum in Iowa, it could position him as a viable alternative to Trump and bolster his chances of securing the Republican nomination.
Conversely, if Trump maintains his dominance in the state and brushes off Reynolds’ endorsement, it could solidify his status as the frontrunner.
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