In a recent development in the Republican presidential race, a new poll from Iowa, conducted just four days before the state’s pivotal caucuses, indicates a notable shift in the standings of the candidates. The
survey, conducted by Suffolk University, highlights former President Donald Trump’s dominant position in the race, while former Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has overtaken Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the second spot.
The poll, which surveyed 500 Iowa voters likely to participate in the upcoming GOP presidential caucuses, places Trump at a commanding 54% support. Haley, showing a significant surge, now stands at 20%, pushing DeSantis, who enjoys 13% support, to a more distant third position. This polling was conducted during a critical period from January 6 to 10, coinciding with a major debate in Iowa involving Haley and DeSantis, and a town hall featuring Trump on Fox News.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a multimillionaire biotech entrepreneur and first-time candidate, has also made his presence felt in the race. After a rigorous campaign across Iowa in recent months, Ramaswamy has garnered 6% support, according to the poll.
In the same survey, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who focused his campaign efforts on New Hampshire and largely bypassed Iowa, registered a mere 2% support. Christie’s recent withdrawal from the race after a town hall in New Hampshire has seemingly benefited Haley, with her support in Iowa climbing to 22% in a subsequent Suffolk University survey.
The poll reflects a significant shift in the Republican field. DeSantis, who secured a convincing re-election as Florida’s governor 14 months ago, was previously perceived as the primary alternative to Trump. His earlier solid second-place standing has been compromised following setbacks in his campaign through the summer and autumn, leading to a decline in his poll numbers.
Haley’s rise in the polls is attributed to her strong debate performances and growing momentum over the autumn. She has not only caught up with DeSantis in Iowa but also in national surveys and has even overtaken him in New Hampshire, narrowing the gap with Trump.
DeSantis’ strategy for his presidential campaign appears heavily reliant on a strong showing in Iowa. He has emphasized his extensive grassroots campaign throughout all 99 counties of the state. Political commentators have deemed Iowa a critical, possibly make-or-break state for the Florida governor. Despite trailing Trump by a significant margin in the Iowa polls, DeSantis has remained optimistic about his chances, predicting a victory in the state.
At a recent Fox News town hall in Iowa, DeSantis responded to inquiries about his expected performance in the state with cautious optimism. He acknowledged his underdog status, a position he claims to have been familiar with throughout his life. DeSantis expressed confidence in overcoming the challenges, despite the media’s portrayal of his campaign.
I KIND OF LIKE HAVING LOWER EXPECTATIONS, TO BE HONEST WITH YOU,” HE ADDED. “I’VE BEEN AN UNDERDOG MY WHOLE LIFE AND EVERYTHING I’VE EVER DONE. – Ron DeSantis
David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, commented on the poll results, highlighting the risks associated with a candidate committing heavily to one state. He noted that while DeSantis’ comprehensive campaign in Iowa has earned him popularity and the position of the top second-choice among candidates, it remains highly unlikely for him to surpass Trump. The challenge for DeSantis now is to maintain his second-place standing.
The poll’s margin of error is reported to be plus or minus 4.4 percentage points, which underscores the fluidity and uncertainty in the race as the Iowa caucuses approach.
WHERE DO YOU SEE HALEY, TRUMP, DESANTIS, AND RAMASWAMY RANKING IN IOWA? LET US KNOW BELOW.
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