Former President Donald Trump holds a large lead in polling for the Iowa caucuses. The Hawkeye State’s nominating contest will be the first for the Republican Party’s 2024 primary process. Trump’s significant lead may be a sign that his GOP opponents have not made up any significant ground since the party’s first debate in Milwaukee.
According to the Iowa State University poll, the former president was chosen by 51% of potential voters.
In second was Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), followed next by former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R). DeSantis polled at 14%, while Haley brought in 10%.
The result follows a number of other recent polls, which have all found Trump with a significant lead in the state.
Trump also leads a number of national polls, with DeSantis not making up significant ground since the first debate. Haley, who served as ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, has risen slightly since the event.
Trump made several appearances in Iowa recently, including at a well-attended football game.
DeSantis has also made a number of campaign stops in the state, including one held for the state’s firefighters.
Trump also made headway in states surrounding Iowa. Earlier this week he was endorsed by South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R).
🚨BREAKING: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem endorses Trump for President.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 9, 2023
The governor hosted the former president at the “Monumental Leaders Rally” held by the state Republican Party near Mount Rushmore. Noem stated that the other 2024 GOP candidates were invited, but no others chose to attend.
“I will do everything I can to help him win and save this country,” the governor said of Trump.
Trump called Noem “one of the most successful governors in the entire nation.”
Noem has been a rising star in the party since being elected to Congress in 2010. She is currently serving her second term as the state’s governor, being term-limited in 2026. The event sparked speculation about whether or not Noem could serve in a potential Trump administration, including as its vice president.
