Ron DeSantis makes his Iowa caucuses debut with stops March 10 in Des Moines, Davenport
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will make his Iowa debut next week with stops in Davenport and Des Moines as he flirts with an expected presidential run later this year.
An official familiar with the governor’s planning confirmed the stops to the Des Moines Register, saying DeSantis will appear with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds at both events March 10. DeSantis has been traveling the country discussing his “Florida blueprint” and promoting his new book, which was released earlier this week.
Polling shows that DeSantis has risen as an early favorite in the Republican presidential primary race, particularly as a possible foil to former president Donald Trump, who announced a campaign late last year. This will be DeSantis’s first visit to the first-in-the-nation caucus state.
Stay in the conversation on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter
He will appear with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who will host a pair of interview-style conversations at each event, the official said.
The pair held a similar panel discussion at a retreat DeSantis hosted for top donors in Palm Beach, Florida, last weekend where they compared notes on their agendas and leadership styles.
a “parents rights” agenda focusing on what’s taught in public schools.
Reynolds emerged out of the pandemic and the 2022 midterms uniquely powerful among Iowa Republicans who say she could use her influence to play kingmaker in this year’s caucus cycle. But she has promised to stay neutral and offer her guidance to every candidate who comes through the state.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis loses lead in 2024 GOP race, now trails Donald Trump
Already she’s appeared with former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, giving the pair glowing introductions at their Des Moines-area events last week. Haley announced her candidacy in February, and Scott may launch a campaign later this year.
attending a foreign policy forum in Des Moines with Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst.
In the classroom:GOP introduces bill to boost parents’ classroom rights in latest education war salvo ahead of 2024
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR.