An influential evangelical leader has expressed that conservative voters are seeking alternatives to Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 presidential campaign. According to Bob Vander Plaats, who heads the Family Leader organization in Iowa, Trump represents the “biggest risk of losing” and there is a desire for a new generational leader with a fresh vision. Vander Plaats, who has not endorsed Trump but voted for him in 2016 and 2020, believes it is crucial for Republicans to make a wise choice in order to secure victory in 2024.
Despite previously encouraging his community to support Trump, Vander Plaats has become more critical of the former president in recent months. He has highlighted repetitive rhetoric, a fixation on the past, and a lack of vision for the future as concerns. Trump, despite facing multiple indictments this year, remains the front-runner for the Republican nomination, polling ahead of his closest competitor, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Vander Plaats, however, is optimistic about DeSantis’ chances, mentioning a recent positive reception the candidate and his wife received when attending church together.