In his recent visit to the Iowa State Fair, former President Donald Trump made efforts to secure the endorsement of Republican Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, despite her pledge to remain neutral in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Trump highlighted his past support for Reynolds, emphasizing his endorsement and campaign rallies that helped her secure victory in 2018. However, he expressed disappointment over her neutrality stance and suggested that his endorsement played a significant role in her success.
Reynolds, who comfortably won her 2022 re-election bid by a 19-point margin, has decided to maintain neutrality in the crowded Republican primary race, a choice consistent with the approach of previous Iowa governors. She extended an invitation to all Republican 2024 presidential hopefuls to hold “fire-side chats” at the Iowa State Fair, with Trump being the only major candidate to decline the offer.
Trump’s statements shed light on the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party as potential candidates scramble for endorsements and position themselves for a competitive primary season. This situation highlights the significance of endorsements in shaping the trajectory of primary campaigns.