Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is making his first visit to Iowa this week, with stops in Des Moines and Davenport on Friday, March 10th.[0] He will be joined by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who will host interview-style conversations with DeSantis at both events.[1] DeSantis will be discussing his book, “The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival.”[2]
The visit to the leadoff Republican voting state of Iowa marks a step closer to DeSantis’ expected announcement of a bid for the White House in 2024. DeSantis consistently polls as the biggest GOP threat to former President Donald Trump.
The trip to Iowa comes shortly after news of former President Trump’s scheduled visit to Iowa on March 13th, wherein he will be presenting his “America First Education Policy” at the Adler Theater in Davenport.[3] Trump’s program will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the President speaking at 6:15 p.m.[2]
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who announced her candidacy last month, will also be in Iowa on March 10, attending a foreign policy forum in Des Moines with Iowa U.S. Senator Joni Ernst.[4]
This week’s visits by DeSantis and Trump are sure to further stoke the fire of the 2024 presidential race, as both Republicans bring their bids for the White House a step closer to reality.
0. “Off to the races: The 2024 campaign begins in earnest with DeSantis in Iowa” msnNOW, 7 Mar. 2023, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/off-to-the-races-the-2024-campaign-begins-in-earnest-with-desantis-in-iowa/ar-AA18jLo9
1. “Ron DeSantis announces first Iowa trip for 2024 presidential caucuses” Des Moines Register, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/presidential/caucus/2023/03/02/ron-desantis-announces-first-iowa-trip-for-2024-presidential-caucuses/69959827007
2. “DeSantis & Trump to Visit Quad Cities” WVIK, 7 Mar. 2023, https://www.wvik.org/2023-03-07/desantis-trump-to-visit-quad-cities
3. “Trump heading to Iowa this month to talk education” WRBL, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.wrbl.com/hill-politics/trump-heading-to-iowa-this-month-to-talk-education/
4. “DeSantis, Trump Set to Visit Iowa, Ramping Up 2024 Moves” Newsmax, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/desantis-iowa-2024/2023/03/02/id/1110864/