Desantis sits as GOP rivals plan for runs

DES MOINES, Iowa — Florida Gov. Ron Desantis may be months away from publicly declaring his presidential intentions, but his potential rivals aren’t holding back.

No fewer than a half dozen Republicans eyeing the White House have begun courting political operatives in states such as New Hampshire and Iowa, which traditionally host the opening presidential primary contests. At the same time, former President Donald Trump, the only announced candidate in the race, is launching regular attacks against Desantis — and others — while locking down staff and endorsements in early voting South Carolina.

Desantis is plowing forward with an “anti-woke” agenda in the Legislature before a presidential announcement in late spring or early summer. His team is beginning to hold informal conversations with a handful of prospective campaign staff in key states, according to those involved in the discussions. But compared with would-be rivals, the Florida governor, famous for crafting his own political strategy, appears to be stepping into the 2024 presidential primary season much more deliberately.

“They understand they are in kind of a sweet spot now. They can feel the demand building, and they don’t really have to show any leg yet,” said David Kochel, a veteran Republican operative who has been in touch with Desantis’ team to relay interest from activists.

For voters, it may seem early in the 2024 presidential election season. But by historical standards, it is not. The GOP’S opening presidential primary debates are six months away, expected in late July or early August.

Already, Trump has been in the race for more than two months. The former president on Saturday released a list of high-profile supporters in South Carolina, including Gov. Henry Mcmaster and Sen. Lindsay Graham. And on Feb. 15, Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, is set to launch her own White House bid in South Carolina, followed by immediate appearances in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Haley is among a half-dozen Republican prospects in various levels of conversations with political operatives in New Hampshire and Iowa, including former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.