President Donald Trump is strengthening his substantial lead in Iowa, according to a recent prominent poll.
In the state that kicks off the Republican presidential nominating calendar, Trump commands 51% support among likely participants in Iowa’s Republican presidential caucuses. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis trails significantly in second place at 19%, as indicated by the latest NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley follows at 16%.
The poll, conducted from December 2-7, was released on Monday, marking five weeks until the January 15 Iowa caucuses.
Trump’s lead over other contenders for the 2024 GOP nomination has expanded by five points since October. This represents the largest lead recorded so close to a competitive Republican caucus in the history of the survey, which is widely considered the gold standard for Iowa caucus polling.
J. Ann Selzer, the pollster overseeing the survey for the past three decades, highlights the recent narrowing of the once-broad Republican presidential field. Selzer suggests that “the field may have shrunk, but it may have made Donald Trump even stronger.”
“I would call his lead commanding at this point.”
Trump is aiming for a significant victory in next month’s caucuses to hasten the conclusion of the nomination race, allowing him to focus on a potential rematch with Democrat President Joe Biden.
The substantial double-digit lead Trump holds in the survey is bolstered in part by strong support from evangelical voters and likely first-time caucus-goers. Evangelicals wield considerable influence in Iowa Republican politics, and nearly three-quarters of Iowa Republicans believe Trump can defeat Biden in the upcoming general election.
This latest Iowa poll echoes previous findings suggesting that Trump supporters are more enthusiastic and committed than those backing other GOP rivals. The Trump campaign has recently intensified its efforts in the final weeks leading up to the Iowa caucuses, with plans for numerous visits from Trump and an array of surrogates.
Chris LaCivita, senior adviser to the Trump campaign, emphasized their aggressive approach, including a robust schedule and a substantial team of precinct captains dedicated to ensuring targeted voters show up for Trump.
DeSantis, Trump’s closest competitor in the Iowa poll, had achieved his goal of visiting all of Iowa’s 99 counties earlier this month. Despite gaining popularity and endorsements from influential figures in the state, DeSantis faces a determined campaign from Haley, who has made significant strides in recent polls and secured support from key organizations.
Haley’s momentum extends to Iowa, where the latest poll indicates a close race for second place with DeSantis. The former South Carolina governor has also garnered support from Americans for Prosperity Action, a politically influential conservative organization.
The survey further reveals support for Vivek Ramaswamy at 5%, a biotech entrepreneur investing his personal wealth in his campaign. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, concentrating efforts in New Hampshire, stands at 4%, while former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson is at 1%, continuing his 2024 campaign despite missing recent debates.
