Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to receive an endorsement from influential Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats, in a much-needed boost for DeSantis’ presidential campaign. However, with Donald Trump as the overwhelming frontrunner for the nomination and the Iowa caucuses just months away, it remains unclear whether this endorsement can significantly impact DeSantis’ chances.
Vander Plaats will make the announcement backing DeSantis later on Tuesday. DeSantis’ campaign has declined to comment, and Vander Plaats did not respond to a request for comment.
In recent months, DeSantis has actively courted Vander Plaats, president of the Christian advocacy group The Family Leader, by appearing at faith-based forums and advocating for strict limits on abortion in hopes of securing a strong finish in Iowa.
The DeSantis campaign has been working to consolidate support among Iowa’s evangelical community to deny Trump a victory and slow his march toward the Republican nomination. Vander Plaats, who has been critical of Trump, has argued that the party needs to move on.
Recent polls have shown Trump with a significant lead in Iowa over DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. However, history has shown that the Republican candidate endorsed by Vander Plaats and other prominent evangelicals has come from behind to win the last three caucuses in 2016, 2012, and 2008.
Despite this, Trump’s pollster, Tony Fabrizio, has suggested that Vander Plaats’ endorsement would not have a dramatic impact on the race, as he is not well known enough by the electorate.
This month, DeSantis also received the backing of Iowa’s governor, Kim Reynolds, and has campaigned in nearly every county in the state. He has increased his attacks on Trump while trying to fend off Haley, who has been gaining in polls.
Overall, while the endorsement from Vander Plaats may provide a significant momentum boost for DeSantis’ campaign, it remains to be seen if it can withstand the overwhelming support for Trump in the upcoming nominating contests.
