Joni Ernst: Iowans remain open-minded for 2024.

Republican Voters in Iowa Keeping Their Minds Open for 2024 Presidential Race

According to Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Republican voters in Iowa are eagerly anticipating the 2024 presidential race and are “still keeping their minds open” despite having their favorites, including former President Donald Trump. Speaking to Fox News, Ernst mentioned that contenders like Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley have received a warm reception in the Hawkeye State.

“Everybody will have their favorites. There are some that have really gotten on track with a few candidates so far,” the senator said. “The former president has his baseline here in Iowa, but I’ve heard from a lot of those folks that … they’re still keeping their mind open,” Ernst told the outlet.

Ernst emphasized that Iowa voters are more interested in hearing about the future rather than dwelling on the past when deciding whom to support in the presidential primary.

“Iowans want to not hear so much about the past. They want to look forward and know how we’re going to correct the path that we’re on right now,” Ernst told Fox News.

Earlier this month, Ernst hosted her annual “Roast and Ride” event, which saw the participation of most declared GOP presidential candidates at the time. Notably absent from the lineup was Trump, but Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), former Vice President Mike Pence, Haley, and Scott were all in attendance.

Recent polling data indicates that Trump holds a significant lead over the GOP field. However, some national and state-level polls suggest that his lead may be slipping. DeSantis currently holds second place, while Haley, Pence, and the rest of the field trail behind the two Florida men, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average.

Iowa will play a crucial role in the 2024 Republican presidential primary process as it holds the first contest with its caucuses in early 2024.

Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.