Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) posted stronger numbers in a poll of likely Iowa caucusgoers than nationally, while former President Donald Trump's support in the Hawkeye State dipped below 50% amid public tensions between himself and Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA), who enjoys great popularity among the state's Republicans.
In a newly released New York Times/Siena College poll of Iowa Republicans who are likely to attend caucuses, 20% reported planning to vote for DeSantis. Trump still maintained his status as the front-runner, with 44% saying they would vote for him.
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While the former president is still ahead in the Hawkeye State, his numbers in Iowa were weaker than those reported by Republicans nationally. The New York Times/Siena College poll results released earlier this week showed Trump with 54% from Republicans across the country and DeSantis with 17%.
Trump faces a 10-point difference between his support nationally and that among Iowa likely caucusgoers. This difference further marks his loss of the support of the majority of Republicans in Iowa, only holding a plurality over opponents.
This comes after the former president publicized a reported feud between himself and Reynolds last month. In a post to Truth Social, he criticized the governor's commitment to staying neutral in the state's caucus campaign season. On several occasions, he further took credit for her election to the governorship. Following his public attack, he lost an endorsement from state Sen. Jeff Reichman, who chose to back DeSantis instead.
GOP strategists predicted that the choice to go against Reynolds could be detrimental to Trump if the news made its way to voters. A super PAC backing DeSantis's presidential bid is looking to ensure that it does, purchasing a seven-figure ad spot. Never Back Down highlighted Trump's criticism of Reynolds in the 30-second spot.
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DeSantis's campaign further looked to emphasize the evidently close friendship between himself and Reynolds, in contrast to Trump. This week, the campaign debuted a piece of merchandise that serves as a call back to their relationship. It is now selling a version of a mug gifted to him by the Iowa governor that reads, "Get S*** Done." Reynolds presented him with it during a visit in March.
The Iowa Republican presidential caucuses are the first in the nation and thus play a pivotal role in the selection of nominees. In 2024, they have been scheduled for Jan. 15, less than six months away.