Reynolds discloses reason for endorsing DeSantis; denies Trump’s endorsement request.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Breaks Tradition to Endorse Ron DeSantis for President
In a recent joint interview with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds revealed that she made the decision to endorse DeSantis for president without paying attention to polls months ahead of the state’s Republican presidential caucus in January.
During an NBC News interview with reporter Dasha Burns, Reynolds explained her departure from Iowa’s tradition of governors remaining neutral during the primaries. “I just felt like I couldn’t sit on the sidelines any longer,” she said. “We have too much at stake. I truly believe that he is the right person to get this country back on track.”
NBC News highlighted that Reynolds’ endorsement is the “biggest endorsement of the primary” season so far, providing a significant boost to the DeSantis campaign.
When asked why she chose to endorse DeSantis, who is currently in second place in the race, Reynolds emphasized that her decision was not based on polls. “I take a look at who I believe is the right person for the right job,” she stated. “I believe that Ron is the right person for the right job. And I believe he’s going to win.”
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on why she’s breaking with the Iowa tradition of staying neutral during the primaries and endorsing Ron DeSantis:
“I just felt like I couldn’t sit on the sidelines any longer. We have too much at stake. I truly believe that he is the right person to… pic.twitter.com/f46QbmMZOU
— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) November 7, 2023
Burns also questioned Reynolds about her relationship with former President Donald Trump, who has criticized her since the news of her endorsement broke. Reynolds revealed that the last time she spoke to Trump was when he called to ask for her endorsement, to which she responded that she was not ready to endorse him at that point.
DeSantis came to Reynolds’ defense, stating, “As somebody who is a leader, you should want people who are delivering big victories for their constituents, standing up for conservative values, which Kim has done.” He further criticized Trump, saying, “It’s almost like with Donald Trump, if you don’t kiss the ring, you can be the best Governor ever and he’ll trash you. You can be a terrible, corrupt politician. But if you kiss his ring, then all of a sudden he’ll praise you.”
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) talks about the pressure fmr. Pres. Trump puts on Republicans.
DeSantis: “You could be the best governor ever and he’ll trash you. You could be a terrible, corrupt politician. But if you kiss his ring, then all of a sudden he’ll praise you.” pic.twitter.com/3gP2Tixaxb— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) November 6, 2023
As a mother, grandmother, and American, I can’t sit on the sidelines.@RonDeSantis is the person who will fight for you. Who will have the moral conviction to do what’s right & the ability to actually do what he promises.
His record proves that. He has my full endorsement! pic.twitter.com/938D6iYKCB
— Kim Reynolds (@KimReynoldsIA) November 7, 2023
Why is Reynolds’s endorsement significant, considering her role as a prominent Republican governor in a key battleground state?
F her endorsement broke. Reynolds responded by stating that she has a good relationship with Trump and has supported the former president in the past. However, she emphasized that her endorsement of DeSantis was not influenced by Trump’s opinion. “I’m making this endorsement based on my own beliefs and convictions,” Reynolds said. “I believe in Ron’s leadership and his ability to bring our country together.”
The endorsement from a prominent Republican governor like Kim Reynolds carries significant weight in the Republican primary race. As the governor of Iowa, a key battleground state, Reynolds’s support can potentially sway undecided voters and garner more attention and support for DeSantis. Her decision to break with tradition and publicly endorse a candidate before the primary caucus is a bold move that demonstrates her confidence in DeSantis’s candidacy.
Ron DeSantis, the current governor of Florida, has been gaining traction and support among Republicans across the country. Known for his conservative policies and effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in his state, DeSantis has positioned himself as a strong contender for the Republican nomination. With Reynolds’s endorsement, DeSantis’s campaign is likely to receive a significant boost, especially in Iowa, where the caucus holds great importance in shaping the trajectory of the race.
Reynolds’s endorsement also highlights the changing dynamics within the Republican Party. While traditional norms dictate that governors remain neutral during the primaries, Reynolds’s decision reflects a growing trend of public endorsements in an increasingly polarized political landscape. It signifies that Republican leaders are willing to take a stand and publicly support candidates they believe in, even if it means breaking from convention.
The impact of Reynolds’s endorsement extends beyond the primary race. As a governor herself, Reynolds’s support indicates a potential alliance or collaboration between the two governors in the future. DeSantis and Reynolds may have similar policy goals and priorities that align well with their respective leadership styles. Their partnership could potentially lead to shared initiatives, coordinated strategies, and a united front within the Republican Party.
With the Republican primary race heating up, endorsements will play a critical role in shaping the candidates’ fortunes. Kim Reynolds’s endorsement of Ron DeSantis reinforces his position as a top contender and injects fresh momentum into his campaign. As the presidential race continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Reynolds’s endorsement will impact the dynamics of the Republican primary and whether it will contribute to DeSantis’s eventual success. Regardless, her departure from tradition sends a clear message that the political landscape is evolving, and candidates must adapt to stay competitive.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
