(RightIsRight.co) – After promising to stay clear from the 2024 race, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has opted to endorse Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the presidential candidacy in an unexpected political development, as insiders told the Des Moines Register.
Reynolds’ endorsement is poised to inject momentum into DeSantis’ campaign, which has seen sluggish progress, as he seeks to position himself as the primary challenger to President Donald Trump in the pivotal concluding phase of the race.
The endorsement carries considerable weight as Reynolds is a prominent figure among Iowa Republicans. She is slated to support DeSantis publicly at a rally in Des Moines and a gathering in Davenport, further bolstering his campaign through fundraising efforts in Miami. DeSantis has acknowledged the significance of Reynolds’ backing, noting her governance as exemplary and anticipating a substantial impact on his presidential bid.
These events have not been without controversy, particularly from President Trump, who has expressed discontent over Reynolds’ perceived disloyalty. Trump, who benefitted from Reynolds’ support during his tenure, is critical of her pivot away from neutrality in the upcoming 2024 race—a stance she initially promised to uphold.
Trump’s critique extended to personal assertions of his role in Reynolds’ political ascendancy and the precedence of the Iowa Caucuses, suggesting his instrumental influence in her governorship and electoral victories.
Endorsements by Iowa’s political leaders are not commonplace, with many opting for neutrality to foster an impartial environment for the caucuses. Notable exceptions in the past have included Senator Chuck Grassley and former Governor Terry Branstad, who have occasionally shown support for preferred candidates.
Reynolds and DeSantis share political trajectories amplified during the pandemic, where their leadership in Republican states was marked by opposition to restrictive measures and engagement with divisive cultural debates, including LGBTQ educational topics and abortion laws.
The strategic alliance between Reynolds and DeSantis may influence the Republican base in Iowa, where Reynolds enjoys significant approval. Despite DeSantis’ lag in the polls, her support could coalesce the Republican electorate.
In her perspective, Reynolds believes Iowans desire a victorious candidate who embodies integrity and the resolve to uphold American values and freedoms, a sentiment that will likely shape the political landscape as the race for the White House intensifies.
