After Monday’s Iowa caucuses, Ron DeSantis is shifting his focus to Nikki Haley’s home state of South Carolina, bypassing the immediate move to New Hampshire, the next state on the GOP calendar. The Florida governor, currently in a battle with Haley for second place in Iowa, will head to South Carolina for a campaign event in Greenville, signaling his determination to perform well in Haley’s home turf.
DeSantis’ campaign emphasizes his significant endorsements from current and former elected officials in South Carolina, showcasing a broader base of support than Haley. The decision also highlights Haley’s relatively stronger standing in New Hampshire, where a recent CNN/UNH poll suggested she could be nearing Trump’s lead in the state.
“This campaign is built for the long haul. We intend to compete for every single available delegate in New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, and then into March,” stated DeSantis spokesman Andrew Romeo. The governor plans to intensify his campaign efforts in both South Carolina and New Hampshire immediately after Monday’s Iowa caucuses.
Traditionally, campaigns proceed directly to New Hampshire after Iowa before moving on to subsequent states. Following Nevada’s GOP caucus in early February, South Carolina’s Republican primary is scheduled for Feb. 24. After his South Carolina event, DeSantis will proceed to New Hampshire, participating in a CNN town hall on Tuesday night.
In contrast, Haley has expressed confidence in her performance in the initial rounds of votes before focusing on South Carolina. Trump’s enduring popularity in the state, backed by endorsements from Gov. Henry McMaster, Sen. Lindsey Graham, and several U.S. House members, remains a significant factor in the upcoming election.
