The Iowa caucuses could be a turning point in the Republican battle for the 2024 presidential nomination as the event sets the tone for the following primaries. This makes the stamp of approval from the state's senators, representatives in Congress, or governor that much more valuable.
In an effort to allow each candidate a fair opportunity in the state, some officials, including Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA), Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann, have vowed not to endorse until after the caucuses.
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However, Iowa's delegation in the House of Representatives is signaling a willingness to make choices ahead of the event. An endorsement from one of the state's four representatives could prove persuasive among Iowa Republican primary voters.
Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) will be making an endorsement in the Republican primary, according to the Des Moines Register. "I do plan to endorse," he said.
"I’m not sure when that will be, but I’m just looking forward to spending time this summer with all the different candidates that want to come through Iowa and want to come through western Iowa," Feenstra continued.
The representative has hosted several candidates already in the state for campaign stops, including former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
Feenstra is not the only Iowa representative who could make the pre-caucuses decision. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) might also give an endorsement ahead of the caucuses.
“For now, Ashley plans to be a neutral ambassador for all presidential candidates coming to Iowa,” Hinson spokeswoman Sophie Seid said in a statement to the Des Moines Register. “She and our team have been in contact with all the contenders, and she is happy to introduce them to voters in her district. She may be open to endorsing prior to the caucus, and we will keep you posted on any developments over the next few months.”
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) also signaled the possibility in March, but she noted that it wouldn't come "in the near future."
She had previously stressed the importance of the state's role in the primary process. "We want to be able to have candidates come. And what's important about the caucus is that you can be a lesser-known individual and rise to the top and propel a campaign. Whereas, what the Democrats have done with South Carolina, you have to be a well-funded candidate, you have to be known," she explained.
But, she did say, "I'm leaving the door open for, yes, later in the year." Although, months later, it's unclear how much longer she plans to wait.
Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA), positioned in a competitive seat in the state, said he plans to remain neutral.
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"Congressman Nunn looks forward to welcoming all candidates to Iowa and being an ambassador to Iowa for any candidate that wants to make their case to Iowans," campaign manager Kendyl Parker said in a statement. "Iowa's first-in-the-nation status affords Iowans a front-row seat to the presidential race, and Congressman Nunn looks forward to encouraging Iowans to attend events to meet candidates and make their own decision in the caucus."
Nunn's district is rated lean Republican by the Cook Political Report.