Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is in Iowa on Friday to introduce himself to an expectant audience of Republicans, making a long-awaited visit ahead of a likely 2024 presidential bid.
DeSantis’ planned appearances in Davenport and Des Moines mark his first trip to the leadoff voting state and come as anticipation over his expected White House campaign has been building. With the Iowa caucuses less than a year away, Republicans in the state are ready to take a harder look at DeSantis, a top-tier presidential prospect viewed as a rival to former President Donald Trump.
The book’s subtitle, “Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival,” suggests an opportunity for DeSantis to test a national message before Republican audiences critical to the early steps of the GOP nominating campaign. In Davenport, lines of hundreds of people snaked through the hallway outside the Rhythm City Casino Resort auditorium where DeSantis was to appear. People waiting to enter the hall were dressed for the occasion, some wearing University of Florida gear to honor DeSantis, while plenty others wore the tell-tale pro-Trump red MAGA hats.
DeSantis’ visit coincides with a trip to the state by former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who announced her 2024 candidacy last month. Trump is scheduled to make a campaign stop in Iowa on Monday, his first visit to the state since launching his third presidential bid. In recent weeks, his team has begun holding internal conversations with a handful of prospective campaign staffers in key states. Late last month, he gathered privately with donors, elected officials and national conservative activists to discuss his vision, which includes limiting how race and sexuality are taught in schools.
DeSantis is seen, as Bush was, as a next-generation, big-state Republican governor who won reelection resoundingly, said Oman, who was among Iowa Republicans who sought to recruit Bush to run.
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