Staff Reports
The Republican primary race in Iowa has been shaken up by a recent poll, revealing that former Governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley is tying with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the runner-up to former President Donald J. Trump. Both governors garnered 16% of the poll’s results, while Trump remains in the lead with 43%.
Iowa Poll Shakes Up GOP Primary As New Runner-Up Emerges: https://t.co/CYDKS0hN8o
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This unexpected turn of events has put a spotlight on Haley, who has been dubbed the “Iowa Silver” by Fox News. With a favorable rating of 59% and early polls from Suffolk/Boston Globe showing her ahead of DeSantis in New Hampshire, Haley could potentially become a frontrunner, pushing DeSantis into third place. This apparent “changing of the guard” has the potential to significantly impact the primary race.
Pollster J. Ann Selzer, the President of Selzer & Co., the firm that conducted the poll, noted Haley’s rise in popularity, stating, “You just have (Haley) rising. You have DeSantis kind of holding on for second place.” However, Selzer also emphasized that both Haley and DeSantis are on precarious ground compared to the solid foundation that Trump stands on. Selzer added, “If anything, he’s showing improvement.”
While Haley’s prospects are looking up, the Trump campaign remains confident in their candidate’s lead. In a statement from spokesman Steven Cheung, he criticized DeSantis for his struggling campaign and low poll numbers. Cheung sarcastically referred to DeSantis as “Ron DeSanctimonious” and highlighted his lackluster visit to Iowa, where he attended a Miami Dolphins game instead of actively campaigning.
The poll conducted by The Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa also revealed that Trump has a more secure base of support than any of his competitors. While 54% of GOP caucusgoers say their first choice for president could still change, 41% are firmly committed to Trump. Among Trump’s supporters, 63% are resolute in their support for him. This unwavering backing further solidifies Trump’s position as the frontrunner in the Republican primary race. In the words of Selzer, “This solid ground is what makes people want to say he’s invincible.”
In the end, the poll in Iowa has not only reshuffled the rankings but has also highlighted the potential rise of Nikki Haley. However, Trump’s dominance and unshakable support from his base continue to be a force to be reckoned with. As the primary race unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Haley’s newfound momentum can pose a real threat to Trump’s stronghold.
