In a surprising turn of events in the lead-up to the 2024 Republican presidential primary, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has officially endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. This announcement comes as a break from traditional political etiquette, as Iowa governors typically refrain from making early endorsements due to the state’s pivotal role as the first to hold caucuses in the primary season.
The endorsement was revealed by the pro-DeSantis super PAC, Never Back Down, which shared an NBC News report on Twitter. Reynolds is set to make her endorsement official at a DeSantis rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday, according to sources close to both governors.
Reynolds’ endorsement of DeSantis has raised eyebrows, as she had previously indicated she would remain neutral in the primary race. The decision to support DeSantis may have been influenced by former President Donald Trump, who expressed his dissatisfaction with Reynolds for not endorsing him earlier. Trump had played a role in Reynolds’ previous election victories, a fact he had made known through social media.
Governor Reynolds is a popular figure within the Republican Party in Iowa, with strong conservative credentials. Her support for DeSantis is expected to provide a significant boost to his campaign in the state, where he has been trailing Trump in the polls by more than 30 percent.
The endorsement from Reynolds could potentially have ripple effects in the primary race. It raises questions about whether other influential governors or state officials in early primary states may also consider endorsing DeSantis, perceiving him as a viable alternative to Trump. Such endorsements could further complicate the already crowded field of candidates and impact the balance of support between DeSantis and Trump.
The Iowa caucuses, scheduled for January 15, 2024, are a crucial milestone in the primary calendar. The results in Iowa often set the tone for the rest of the primary season, making Governor Reynolds’ endorsement particularly significant for DeSantis, who has been working to gain momentum in a race where Trump has been the frontrunner.
The 2024 Republican presidential primary is poised to witness further developments and shifts in political dynamics. Endorsements like Reynolds’ are just one element in a complex race that will ultimately be decided by the voters and delegates from various states in the months ahead.
Take a look at what Trump just wrote about the governor’s future:
JUST IN: President Trump just issued a new statement on Truth Social about Iowa Governor @IAGovernor Kim Reynolds and her plan to endorse @RonDeSantis for President tomorrow.
“It will be the end of her political career in that MAGA would never support her again”, Trump said. pic.twitter.com/UQXBnxLkei
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) November 5, 2023
