DeSantis Heads to Iowa’s Caucuses With Everything on the Line

Florida’s governor entered the 2024 presidential race as a conservative standard bearer against President Donald Trump. His reputation is staked on Iowa.

Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to guests during a campaign rally at the Thunderdome in Newton, Iowa, on Dec. 2, 2023. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Ron DeSantis is running out of time.

In January 2023, the Florida governor was a rising star in the Republican Party and on the fast track to the White House. Now, he’s far behind former President Donald Trump in national polls and locked in a brutal battle with former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley for second place.