Iowa’s influential evangelical leader, Bob Vander Plaats, announced his endorsement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, giving his campaign a boost in the presidential primary cycle. Despite DeSantis trailing former President Donald Trump in early polling, support from Vander Plaats and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is expected to help him gain favor with evangelical Christian voters in Iowa. Vander Plaats praised DeSantis for his leadership, experience, and commitment to fulfilling his promises while highlighting the necessity for a president who can serve two terms on Fox News.
Vander Plaats, president and CEO of The FAMiLY Leader, has an extensive following within the faith community. He has been at odds with Trump and has previously backed the eventual winners of the Iowa GOP caucus. He believes that a win in Iowa is crucial for potential Republican candidates and could lead to a difficult path for Trump’s nomination, as well as offering America an alternative choice with Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The evangelical leader’s endorsement holds special significance as he has been critical of Trump’s policies. He’s also a proponent of anti-abortion rights and has expressed his disapproval of Trump’s stance on the issue. DeSantis’ campaign has eagerly anticipated the endorsement, which would significantly impact the presidential ballot. In a move to discredit the endorsement, Trump’s campaign suggested Vander Plaats’ support was due to financial incentives, which Vander Plaats vehemently denied. DeSantis remains optimistic about securing Vander Plaats’ support and has referred to it as a powerful backing.
While Vander Plaats’ endorsement may not translate into a significant number of votes, its influence within the faith community and the state’s government is expected to help DeSantis make substantial progress in Iowa. For DeSantis, this endorsement represents an important turning point following a challenging summer, signaling momentum and further success in his campaign.
