ANKENY, Iowa – With Iowa Republicans preparing to caucus on January 15, the overwhelming hold former President Donald Trump has on the state is becoming increasingly evident. According to one voter in a recent focus group, it would take a monumental event to keep him from voting Trump, even citing scenarios such as if Trump “died or murdered somebody.”
Republican strategist Sarah Longwell noted on CNN News Central that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley are vying for second place in Iowa, with Trump continuing to dominate the race.
Longwell conducted a focus group with Iowa voters, where she found that the majority firmly supported Trump and believed that he would be the nominee. The only circumstances that participants in the group stated would make them switch their vote from Trump to someone else were if Trump were to die or commit murder.
In regard to DeSantis and Haley, Longwell explained that a poor showing in Iowa could be devastating for their political futures. A third-place finish for DeSantis could potentially put his career on hold, while a second-place finish for Haley could open a narrow path to gain momentum going into New Hampshire.
As the Iowa caucuses approach, it is increasingly apparent that Trump’s influence in the state remains unchallenged, leaving DeSantis and Haley fighting for second place. With Trump’s firm hold on his support base, the road ahead for other candidates hoping to secure the nomination is becoming more challenging.