Reynolds to Endorse DeSantis Tonight at Iowa Rally

(Radio Iowa) Governor Kim Reynolds will endorse Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis this (Monday) evening at a rally in Des Moines according to sources familiar with the governor’s plans.
Reynolds has appeared with the Florida Governor often in Iowa, starting in March during DeSantis’ first visit to the state. Early this year, Reynolds said she intended to remain neutral, so all candidates would feel welcome to campaign in Iowa, but after she hosted most of the candidates at the Iowa State Fair, Reynolds indicated she wa considering an endorsement. In late August, the chairman of the Iowa G-O-P told Radio Iowa Reynolds is likely the only Republican in Iowa whose endorsement could move the needle for a candidate. Reynolds is viewed favorably by a solid majority of Iowa Republicans according to polling and the recent Des Moines Register “Iowa Poll” shows DeSantis is in a battle for second place with former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley in Iowa. On Sunday, former President Trump called Reynolds disloyal. The Trump campaign calls her appearance at tonight’s DeSantis rally the beginning of the Reynolds retirement tour. DeSantis often contrasts how he and Reynolds easily won reelection with Trump’s 2020 loss.

Since 1980, just one other governor has endorsed a presidential candidate before the Iowa Caucuses. Terry Branstad endorsed Bob Dole and campaigned for the Kansas Senator before the 1996 Iowa Caucuses. Senator Chuck Grassley endorsed Dole before the Caucuses in 1988 and 1996, but has not publicly endorsed a candidate since. then.