Iowa GOP Leaders Marvel at Trump’s Expected Win & Staying Power
- NBC News contacted Republican Party county chairs in Iowa to gauge the state of the Republican presidential race. 43 out of 50 who responded predicted former President Donald Trump as the likely winner, despite his lack of presence in the state. Many felt that Trump’s legal charges and the perceived political attack by Democrats have only strengthened his support. Trump’s supporters are cited as being extremely dedicated and unlikely to change their minds.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to finish second in the caucuses, though he has failed to break Trump’s hold despite investing significant time and resources in Iowa. His standing has not noticeably improved recently, and high-profile endorsements have not given him a significant boost. DeSantis, along with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, have been cited for having the most active campaigns on the ground.
- Despite the strong support for Trump, some county chairs believe that a surprise ending to the caucuses is possible. Factors such as voters making last-minute decisions and the impact of weather on caucus attendance are mentioned. However, recent polling indicates Trump as the overwhelming favorite, even suggesting a historically large lead in a contested caucus cycle.
Increased Support for Trump in Iowa GOP Presidential Caucus
Bryan Whipp, the GOP leader in Page County, Iowa, predicts a large crowd at next month’s presidential caucus. He attributes this to the appeal of former President Donald Trump.
In a recent survey by NBC News, 43 out of 50 local GOP leaders one county picked Trump as the likely winner of the Republican race. Only a few foresee Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis winning.
Trump’s Popularity despite Rare Visits
Surprisingly, Iowa voters do not seem to favor the candidates who are most active in their home counties. Trump has maintained or improved his standing, even though he has been less present in the state than other potential 2024 candidates.
DeSantis has invested time and resources in Iowa, yet he has not been able to significantly challenge Trump’s hold. GOP county leaders credit Trump’s popularity to the Democrats’ legal pursuit of him. Trump has skillfully made this a key issue in his campaign.
Challenges for Other Candidates
Among the potential second-placers, Ron DeSantis was named by nearly two dozen GOP county chairs. However, despite intensive campaigning in the state, his standing has not improved substantially. Nikki Haley, former United Nations Ambassador, has been less active locally despite the potential to gain momentum.
Vivek Ramaswamy, another contender, has been active in the northern part of the state, involved in local issues like the proposed carbon dioxide pipeline.
Despite support from high-profile Republicans, DeSantis is still struggling. Some GOP leaders think his problem is simple – he’s not Trump, nor is he anti-Trump.
Possible Surprises
Although Trump is favored to win in Iowa, several GOP county chairs aren’t ruling out a surprise result. Many voters might decide last minute, or climate conditions might affect the voter turnout.
Recent polling by NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom shows Trump with a 32-point lead over his competitors—a record margin for a contested caucus cycle. Nevertheless, depending on the January results, some candidates might have to reconsider their campaign strategy.
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