In a surprising move, Iowa State Senator Jeff Reichman has decided to withdraw his endorsement of former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential race and instead throw his support behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. This decision comes after Trump publicly criticized Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on social media, causing Reichman to prioritize the interests of his home state.
Reichman’s concerns about Trump’s focus on Governor Reynolds, whom he considers to be like family, led him to revoke his endorsement. This reflects the growing tension between Trump and some Republican officials who prioritize state loyalty over national politics.
Trump claimed to have played a significant role in Reynolds’ rise to the gubernatorial position and endorsed her when she faced challenges. However, Reynolds recently decided to remain neutral in the 2024 presidential primary, which drew criticism from Trump. In response, Reichman reevaluated his endorsement and shifted his support to DeSantis.
Governor DeSantis, who has also expressed interest in running for president in 2024, came to Reynolds’ defense on social media and praised her as a strong leader. DeSantis sees Reynolds as a valuable ally and an effective leader who deserves support from fellow Republicans.
Trump’s criticism of Governor Reynolds sparked backlash from other prominent figures within the Republican Party. Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson called Trump’s behavior dictatorial, while former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley praised Reynolds as a conservative rock star.
Governor Reynolds has maintained a neutral stance in the 2024 presidential race, hosting various presidential hopefuls in Iowa without endorsing any specific candidate. She recently joined Casey DeSantis’ campaign to engage more women and parents in supporting Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis’ campaign in Iowa has gained momentum, securing endorsements from Iowa lawmakers. With 39 Iowa lawmakers backing DeSantis, his support continues to grow in the state. Senator Reichman’s endorsement adds to the list of supporters who see DeSantis as a strong contender for the 2024 presidential race.
Senator Reichman’s decision reflects the changing dynamics within the Republican Party and emphasizes the importance of state loyalty and support for local leaders. It also highlights the impact of public criticism and its potential consequences in shaping political alliances and endorsements.
Stay tuned for further updates on the evolving dynamics of the 2024 presidential race and the impact of endorsements from key figures in the Republican Party.