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. He and Ernst stood in the back of a pickup truck and briefly addressed the riders before setting off.

“One of the reporters just asked me if we’re showing up more in Iowa what our lane would be. I said I’m more worried about the lane we’re going to be staying in today,” Pence said.

Pence, wearing a white motorcycle helmet and a big grin, then rode off on a cobalt blue Harley-Davidson. The group planned to ride to the fairgrounds for the rest of the event, featuring barbecue and speeches. He participated in the ride once before, in 2017.

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.

Marie Andres of Des Moines signed a form, distributed by a super political action committee supporting DeSantis, to pledge to caucus for him early next year. “Trump did a great job, but in my opinion, too much drama,” the 74-year-old said. She said she committed to the governor because she thinks DeSantis is “the best we’re gonna get.”

Despite the absence of Trump, the event was a significant gathering of Republican presidential hopefuls, with each candidate vying for the support of Iowa voters ahead of the 2024 election.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

Sources: The Western Journal