Reynolds’ support of DeSantis energizes Iowa voters
Iowa governor joins Fla. governor in Davenport
DAVENPORT, Iowa – It’s unclear how much difference Gov. Kim Reynolds’ endorsement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will mean for his bid for the GOP presidential nomination at the Iowa Caucuses. What is certain is that Iowans have taken notice.
Iowa’s Republican governor took to the campaign trail with DeSantis Tuesday morning, the day after she endorsed him for president in the 2024 election, speaking to a packed and cheering crowd at a meet-and-greet at the Machine Shed Restaurant in Davenport.
The endorsement, which was officially announced at a rally in Des Moines Monday, was a significant moment for Iowa Republicans evaluating the GOP field. that’s particularly for those like Loren Zaruba, who attended Tuesday’s event is still deciding which candidate to support in the caucuses.
The 72-year-old retiree from Charlotte told the Register that Reynolds’ endorsement hasn’t cemented his decision, but “it helps.”
“Gov. Reynolds just a very great politician, a good leader. If she chooses DeSantis as her choice, well then I’ll certainly take that into consideration,” he said.
And for those those who have already thrown their support behind DeSantis, Reynolds’ endorsement is a validating moment for their candidate.
“I would definitely say Gov. Reynolds endorsing him definitely makes me even more excited,” said Ashley Sonnenberg, a 31-year-old homemaker from LeClaire who attended Tuesday’s event with her young daughters in tow. “I trust our governor, I trust her judgment. It’s reassuring that I’m also rooting for the same candidate that she is.”
Reynolds draws close comparison to DeSantis’ governorship
The high profile endorsement from Reynolds is a big win for DeSantis, who has been going all in on Iowa to establish himself as a clear alternative to Trump, the current front runner in the race. Reynolds has influence in Republican circles and is deeply popular among likely Republican caucusgoers, Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll data shows.
During her remarks Tuesday, Reynolds drew comparisons between her time in office and DeSantis’ leadership in Florida, emphasizing shared policy stances on hot button issues such as COVID-era lockdowns and school choice.
She also emphasized her belief that DeSantis is the Republican candidate that can win a general election against President Joe Biden, stating DeSantis is “the candidate that will get this country back on track.”
“As a mom and as a grandmother and as an American, I felt like I couldn’t sit on the sidelines any longer. We’re in unprecedent at times, and there is too much at stake,” Reynolds told the crowd, drawing loud applause.
“Our country is in trouble and our world is a time bomb and we need to make sure that we get this right this next election.”
Following Tuesday’s event, Reynolds will fly to Miami on Wednesday for a fundraiser ahead of the third Republican presidential primary debate later that day.
Trump took to social media over the weekend to slam Reynolds for her endorsement, stating in a Truth Social post that her support for the Florida governor will be “the end of her political career.”
But at Tuesday’s event, DeSantis received cheers during his remarks as he touted his stance on immigration and the southern border, on foreign affairs like the Israel-Hamas war and on the economy. He vowed to bring similar policies he enacted in Florida to the federal level, and to reverse what he described as the “decline of our country.”
Trump still holds sway over many Iowa voters
Though the endorsement could be a huge boost for his campaign, recent numbers from the Iowa Poll and other national polls shows DeSantis has a long way to go to catch up with Trump.
An October Des Moines Register/ NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll of likely Republican caucusgoers shows support for Trump is at 43%, far ahead of any other presidential hopefuls ahead of the Jan. 15 caucuses. DeSantis is currently tied for second place with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley at 16%.
Des Moines doctor Shannon Crout attended Monday night’s event in Des Moines. DeSantis had “been on her radar,” and after the rally, Crout said she was “97% sure” that she would support him on Caucus Day.
But that 3% of doubt? Her lingering support for Trump.
“(Trump) was who I was more sure about, because of what he had done in his last run,” said Crout, 43. “I know that people will be more polarized … so whether he’s the right man for the time right now, I don’t know.”
Crout said Reynolds’ endorsement of DeSantis was “great,” but she wasn’t making her decision based on it.
Some like Monika Schaller, a Davenport resident who attended Tuesday’s event, say they worry that Trump as a polarizing figure could affect his chances to return to the White House. The 72-year-old retiree is favorable toward Trump but believes his ongoing legal battles is an indication that too many in Washington, D.C., are working against him for him to be an effective president.
Zaruba agreed, stating he feels Trump is carrying “too much baggage.”
“Even if he gets in (office), I don’t think that they’ll let him do anything,” Zaruba said.
Still, some Iowans like Sonnenberg said she believe Reynolds’ endorsement will make the difference, helping DeSantis cinch a win in the Iowa caucuses and push him toward the victory as the GOP nominee.
“I don’t think a lot of Iowans have made their decision,” Sonnenberg said. “... But I know a lot of people that love our governor, and she has a lot of sway and a lot of people trust her judgment. So it’s only helpful (for DeSantis).”
Des Moines Register reporters Brianne Pfannenstiel and Katie Akin contributed to this story.
Michaela Ramm covers health care for the Des Moines Register. She can be reached at mramm@registermedia.com, at (319) 339-7354 or on Twitter at @Michaela_Ramm