Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ decision to endorse Ron DeSantis for president is set to create controversy, particularly with Donald Trump, who has accused Reynolds of lacking loyalty. The announcement comes after months of discreetly signaling her support for DeSantis. Sources confirmed that Reynolds will officially endorse the Florida governor at a rally in Des Moines on Monday. This endorsement is a significant win for DeSantis, who hopes to capitalize on Reynolds’ popularity among Iowa Republicans and position himself as a viable alternative to front-runner Donald Trump in the final stages of the race. Reynolds is scheduled to speak at DeSantis’ pre-debate rally on Monday and attend a meet-and-greet in Davenport on Tuesday. Following this, she will travel to Miami to assist with fundraising efforts around Wednesday’s debate. During a conference call with Iowa reporters on October 25, DeSantis expressed his belief that Reynolds’ endorsement would greatly benefit his campaign. He praised her governance in Iowa, stating that she has set a positive example for other leaders. It is anticipated that Trump will be displeased with Reynolds’ decision, as he has previously criticized her close relationship with DeSantis, accusing her of disloyalty. While Reynolds was a staunch ally of Trump while he was president, she refrained from endorsing him early in the 2024 race. Soon after the news of Reynolds’ endorsement broke, Trump’s campaign issued a statement suggesting that Reynolds had no ambition for higher office and that her endorsement would have no impact on the race. Endorsements from top elected officials in Iowa ahead of the caucuses are rare, but not unprecedented. In the past, Senator Chuck Grassley endorsed Senator Bob Dole in 1988 and 1996, and former Governor Terry Branstad urged Iowans to support any candidate except Senator Ted Cruz in 2016. However, it is more common for high-profile political figures in Iowa to maintain a neutral stance. Reynolds initially stated that she would not endorse any candidate before the Iowa caucuses, preferring to welcome all candidates to the state. However, more recently, she indicated that she was considering an endorsement due to national issues such as inflation and border security. Reynolds has made appearances with all the presidential contenders but seemed to forge a strong connection with DeSantis early on. She introduced him to Iowans during his first trip to the state in March and has frequently joined him and his wife, Casey, at events. Both Reynolds and DeSantis have gained national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for their opposition to shutdowns and mask mandates, as well as their involvement in controversial culture war issues. They have both signed laws related to LGBTQ topics in schools, state-funded private school scholarships, and abortion restrictions. DeSantis has even mentioned Reynolds as a potential vice-presidential candidate. Reynolds’ endorsement could significantly boost DeSantis’ support ahead of the Iowa caucuses. According to an October poll, DeSantis is tied for second place with Nikki Haley among likely Republican caucusgoers, with both candidates trailing behind Trump by a significant margin. However, DeSantis’ standing in polls has slipped in recent months, despite his campaign’s heavy investment in field operations in Iowa. Reynolds, who remains highly popular among Iowa Republicans, could help consolidate support for DeSantis. However, it remains uncertain how much influence a single endorsement will have on the outcome of the race, as Iowans tend to make their own decisions and endorsements only go so far. Other influential figures, such as Bob Vander Plaats, President and CEO of the Family Leader, are also contemplating endorsements. Vander Plaats believes that endorsements could be impactful if they indicate Republicans coalescing around an alternative to Trump. Reynolds has emphasized that Iowans are looking for a winner who will restore the GOP’s control of the White House.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds Set to Endorse Ron DeSantis at Exciting Rally on Monday
