Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump will share the spotlight in Iowa on Saturday, May 13, providing a chance to sway influential conservative activists and contrast their campaign styles in Republicans' leadoff voting state. The two men will be hours away from each other, marking an early preview of a potential match-up between the former president and DeSantis.
DeSantis is expected to announce his 2024 presidential campaign any day now, while Trump returns to the comfort of the campaign stage after a tumultuous week. Their first time together in Iowa sees Trump headlining a state party fundraiser in Cedar Rapids while DeSantis holds events throughout the weekend with allies preparing for his upcoming presidential campaign.
The Florida governor seeks to recapture momentum he had earlier this year by pitching donors on his ability to beat Biden in swing states. Meanwhile, questions about Trump's electability have resurfaced after a New York jury found him liable for defamation and sexual abuse.
The challenge facing both candidates becomes evident as pro-DeSantis super PAC Never Back Down ramps up its attacks against Trump - drawing rebukes from vocal DeSantis supporters on social media.
As they prepare for their campaigns, both politicians are hosting numerous events; DeSantias has been meeting with supporters and potential backers in Tallahassee while advisers remind donors that it is early days yet within the race. They also outline plans to spend significant amounts of time campaigning specifically within Iowa and New Hampshire.
Saturday's event sets up one of the most direct contrasts so far between these Republican nomination rivals: With Trump headlining at Cedar Rapids at a state party fundraiser that evening followed by one of his signature rallies held outdoors at an accommodating venue located approximately 105 miles away outside Des Moines – capable of holding up-to 25-thousand people– versus De Santis hosting private dinners in an attempt to persuade donors of his drama-free alternative candidacy.
Despite Trump's recent attention-grabbing CNN interview and subsequent lashings out against writer E. Jean Carroll, a new poll released Friday shows the former president holding an 18-point lead over DeSantis with likely Republican Iowa caucus voters – standing at 44% to 26%.
As the two men head into one of their first major showdowns on Iowan soil, DeSantis' allies have rolled out numerous endorsements from prominent local politicians such as state Senate President Amy Sinclair and state House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl. This marks Trump's second significant trip to Iowa since announcing his own 2024 campaign last November; he also virtually addressed the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition’s spring kick-off event just last month.
Although the Iowa Caucus remains the GOP primary process' leadoff state, it is worth noting that no Republican winner has gone on to clinch their party nomination since 2000. As both candidates continue campaigning across Iowa this weekend, each hopes for strong turnouts at their respective events - potentially fueling comparisons between them while highlighting differences in style and substance as they vie for support among conservative activists within this crucial electoral battleground.