News and Politics

DeSantis vs. Trump: Who Will Iowa Choose in the Presidential Election?

Dr. ADAM TABRIZ
4 min readJun 1, 2023
Presidential Election Campaign, Donald Trump, DeSantis, Iowa
Photo by Joshua WoronieckionUnsplash

Towards DeSantis, Iowa’s Political Shift Has Been Noticeable

The history of supporting Donald Trump in Iowa is evident through his victory in the state’s 2016 Republican caucuses. But recently, there has been a notable drift towards Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the state, as he is perceived as a possible competitor to Trump’s hold on the Republican Party.

DeSantis has been actively seeking Iowa voters, having made several appearances in the state and even commencing his presidential campaign there. Rather than reverting to the Trump epoch, DeSantis is promoting himself as a candidate who can advance the party. This shift towards DeSantis in Iowa proposes that some Republicans are prepared to let go of Trump’s politics and embrace a fresh leader for the party.

There has been a recent surge in DeSantis’ favor in Iowa, attributed to his conservative politics and Florida’s successful containment of COVID-19. He’s received a commendation for shielding citizens’ rights and keeping commercial corners afloat during the pandemic. Furthermore, DeSantis’ backing of concerns such as gun rights and immigration is akin to those of several Iowa Republicans.

Surveys indicating a tight match between him and Trump imply that Iowan GOP constituents welcome a fresh captain who reflects their principles and can manage the group proficiently.

Is Iowa Ready to Turn Its Back on Trump for DeSantis’ Politics?

In Iowa, the reception to DeSantis is a mixed bag, as his potential candidacy has been both welcomed and rejected by the Republican cadres. Nevertheless, DeSantis’s recent foray into Iowa, a state traditionally known for its unwavering adoration for Trump, suggests that he’s making strides in Republican power dynamics. Although it remains to be seen whether Iowa will vote in favor of DeSantis over Trump, the ongoing discussions surrounding DeSantis are proof of a dynamic and evolving political environment within the party.

Iowa, Desantis, Trump
Photo by Eric Yeich

Iowa politics may experience the effects of DeSantis’ run for presidency. His campaign has potential implications that could cause a stir in the state.

Making Iowa a key battleground for his presidential campaign, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida is reaching out to voters who seek political alignment.

Traveling across Iowa, DeSantis is campaigning on his conservative policies, particularly regarding healthcare, education, and immigration, and touting his record of economic growth within his state. Iowa voters praise his unwavering support for law enforcement and his stand against critical race theory. The Florida Governor’s election strategy is clear, to win over the hearts and minds of Iowans who share his values.

Like Donald Trump in policy and ideology, DeSantis has diverged from the former president on various issues. Distinctively, DeSantis has been more forthcoming about combating the effects of climate change while also advocating for free trade. In contrast, DeSantis has expressed reservations about Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, citing the former president’s resistance to mask mandates and vaccine distribution as a cause for criticism.

Possibles:

  • With Iowa leaning towards DeSantis-style politics, the stakes are high. Should DeSantis gain traction in Iowa, it might spell the dawn of a fresh conservative wave distancing itself from Trump. But the jury is out on whether he can outshine Trump’s sway over Iowa, given the latter’s enduring popularity. No matter how it plays out, DeSantis’ Iowa bid has fueled talks about the GOP’s future trajectory and whether it will keep charting a similar course.
  • Iowa’s adoption of DeSantis-flavored politics could yield noteworthy ramifications. If DeSantis garners substantial backing in Iowa, it could indicate a pivot within the Republican Party away from Trumpism and towards a novel brand of conservatism. Yet it remains to be seen if DeSantis can surmount Trump’s allure in Iowa, given how firmly Trump still holds sway there. Regardless, DeSantis’ Iowa campaign has provoked debates about the GOP’s path forward and the direction it will steer towards.
  • Shifting towards DeSantis-style politics in Iowa might generate major outcomes. Should DeSantis attract a sizeable following in Iowa, it could signify an inclination to veer away from Trump’s influence and towards a renewed conservative movement. However, it’s uncertain whether DeSantis can outdo Trump’s popularity in Iowa, given the extent of Trump’s support in the state. Nonetheless, DeSantis’ Iowa campaign has already stirred up discussions about the GOP’s future and the direction it will head towards.

Citation

  1. DeSantis’ big Iowa bet, from www.axios.com/2023/05/16/ron-desantis-donald-trump-iowa
  2. DeSantis Campaigns in Iowa as Trump Cancels, from www.bloomberg.com
  3. DeSantis in Iowa warns of GOP ‘culture of losing,’ from www.apnews.com
  4. Republican candidates hope to win in Iowa as they look, from www.npr.org
  5. DeSantis Heads to Iowa Lagging Far Behind Trump in New, from www.usnews.com
  6. Donald Trump travels to Iowa just after Ron DeSantis, from www.desmoinesregister.com
  7. DeSantis Privately Says Trump Can’t Win 2024 Election, from www.nytimes.com
  8. In Iowa, DeSantis embraces campaign rituals, from www.washingtonpost.com
  9. Iowa Is a Potential Snake Pit for Trump and DeSantis, from www.nymag.com

Originally published at https://www.newsbreak.com.

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Dr. ADAM TABRIZ
Dr. ADAM TABRIZ

Written by Dr. ADAM TABRIZ

In this vast tapestry of existence, I weave my thoughts and observations about all facets of life, offering a perspective that is uniquely my own.

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