Staff Reports
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley outshines Governor Ron DeSantis in a recent Iowa poll, claiming the second-place spot ahead of the state’s upcoming caucuses. The poll, conducted by Suffolk University Political Research Center, reveals that Haley garnered an impressive 20% support, surpassing DeSantis, who trailed at 13%. DeSantis, known for his fervent commitment to Iowa, has dedicated substantial resources to the state, visiting all 99 counties and relocating a third of his campaign staff to Iowa. Despite his efforts, Haley’s popularity surged, indicating a significant shift in the GOP landscape.
While DeSantis remains popular among Iowans, with 50% expressing favorable opinions of him, the majority still favor former President Donald Trump, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to the former commander-in-chief. Even though DeSantis maintains the highest favorability rating and is the preferred second choice for many, Haley’s rise in the poll underscores her growing influence within the Republican Party.
Suffolk University poll of 500 likely Iowa GOP Caucus voters:
Trump 54
Haley 20
DeSantis 13
Ramaswamy 6
Christie 2With Christie out of the race:
Trump 54
Haley 22
DeSantis 13
Ramaswamy 6DeSantis is the top "second choice" (26%) and has a higher favorability than Haley, but…
— David Paleologos (@davidpaleologos) January 11, 2024
The poll’s results also highlight Haley’s ability to appeal to voters who view her favorably, as she leads Trump with a 41% to 35% advantage among this demographic. Despite her missteps, including controversial statements about the Civil War and the Iowa caucuses, Haley’s resilience in the face of criticism has solidified her standing as a formidable contender.
Although Trump continues to dominate the Iowa caucuses with a commanding 54% support among likely GOP voters, analysts caution against underestimating the potential for surprises. While Haley may not necessarily need to defeat Trump in Iowa, a strong showing could position her as a formidable challenger in the subsequent New Hampshire primary. As the caucuses draw near, the battle for the Republican nomination intensifies, setting the stage for a compelling and unpredictable political showdown.
