GOP 2024 contenders meet in Iowa, sans Trump.

Eight Republican Presidential Hopefuls Gather in Iowa for Political Event

On Saturday, eight Republican presidential hopefuls attended a political event hosted by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst in Iowa. Among those scheduled to appear at the rally were Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence. Notably absent was former President Donald Trump, the leading GOP presidential candidate, who has largely avoided events where he shares the stage with his 2024 rivals.

DeSantis, seen as Trump’s chief challenger, has been on a blitz of campaign stops across early-voting states, including Iowa, in recent days as he marked his first week as an official candidate. At the fairgrounds, he signed autographs and even signed a Bible for one supporter who thanked him for “standing up to Disney.” DeSantis’ wife, Casey DeSantis, also made an appearance, wearing a leather jacket with an alligator and an outline of Florida stitched onto the back, with the message, “Where woke goes to die,” a slogan that the governor has adopted.

Pence Launches Long-Expected Campaign in Iowa

Former Vice President Mike Pence, who has made frequent trips to Iowa over the past year, is not yet in the race, but will launch his long-expected campaign at an event in Des Moines on Wednesday, according to two people familiar with his plans who spoke on condition of anonymity. Pence was the only White House hopeful participating in a morning motorcycle ride for charity that is a staple of Ernst’s annual “Roast and Ride” event. In an interview he gave to Newsmax before the ride, Pence said he and his wife, Karen, have spent much time praying and reflecting on how to serve the country next.

Other Presidential Hopefuls Expected to Appear

Other presidential hopefuls expected to appear at the rally later in the day include former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, author Vivek Ramaswamy, and conservative talk radio host Larry Elder.

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