In the latest poll from Des Moines Register/Mediacom/NBC News, 45th President Donald Trump emerges as the clear favorite among likely Republican caucusgoers in Iowa, with a robust 48% support. Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina Governor and UN Ambassador, has narrowly surpassed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, securing the second spot with a 20% backing compared to his 16%.
This poll, released just before the Iowa caucuses kick off the 2024 GOP presidential nomination process, also shows Vivek Ramaswamy, a newcomer to politics and biotech millionaire, holding his own at 8%.
The results reflect a shift in momentum, with Haley recently gaining traction over DeSantis, who had previously been the solid second-place contender. Notably, Haley’s surge has been evident in Iowa and national polls, as well as in New Hampshire, which is the first primary state in the Republican nominating sequence.
Despite historical indictments, including charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, Trump’s support among Republicans remains unshaken. Meanwhile, DeSantis, who once held a firm grip on the alternative choice to Trump, has seen a decline in support following campaign difficulties.
Even as a blizzard sweeps through Iowa, causing potential concerns for caucus turnout, both Haley and DeSantis continue their campaign efforts. DeSantis has emphasized his grassroots campaign across Iowa’s 99 counties and, until recently, maintained a confident stance on his prospects in the state. However, he seems to have moderated his expectations in the days leading up to the caucuses.
The recent inclement weather in Iowa, which has brought severe snowstorms and subzero temperatures, poses a threat to the attendance of the Monday night caucuses. The harsh conditions arrive as the state prepares for this critical first test in the presidential nomination process.
Chris Christie, the former Governor of New Jersey, withdrew from the race earlier in the week after focusing his campaign efforts on New Hampshire, redistributing his minimal support among the remaining contenders.
The survey, which carries a tradition of accuracy and is considered the benchmark in Iowa, was conducted from January 7-12 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 points.
He may not be the right choice but he’s got the peoples attention.. Maybe it’s due to him NOT being a lifelong politician! If the other candidates would take note and actually do something for the people instead of for the party and their buddies in Washington America would be GREAT!! SOOOO glad Christy got knocked off the ballet! He’s as slimey as Bill Richerson was.