Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida received an endorsement from Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa during an interview on NBC News. Reynolds expressed her belief that DeSantis is the right person to lead the country and get it back on track. DeSantis, appreciative of her support, called it meaningful.
The two governors will attend a campaign rally together in Des Moines. Prior to the endorsement, former President Donald Trump criticized Reynolds for her perceived disloyalty. However, her endorsement has the potential to shake up the race in Iowa.
Meanwhile, Trump spent Monday testifying in a civil fraud trial in New York, diverting his attention from the campaign trail. DeSantis is in need of a boost in Iowa, as his poll numbers have slipped. Reynolds, with her wide appeal to Iowa Republicans, may have a significant impact on the race.
Reynolds’s endorsement was seen as a major coup for the DeSantis campaign, especially among Iowa’s evangelical community. However, Trump’s followers have remained loyal to him despite his legal troubles.
During the NBC News interview, DeSantis criticized Trump, stating that he would trash even the best governor if they didn’t “kiss the ring,” while praising corrupt politicians who showed loyalty.