By Steve Peoples, Thomas Beaumont, and Michelle L. Price | Associated Press
CORALVILLE, Iowa — Ron DeSantis downplayed his recent decision to replace his campaign leadership team as he returned to Iowa for a reset. The Republican presidential candidate also didn’t mention the recent campaign layoffs he made due to fundraising problems. Instead, DeSantis focused on his central message, the “war on woke,” as he addressed a crowd of cheering Republicans during his bus tour through Iowa.
DeSantis shrugged off questions about the turmoil surrounding his campaign, stating that voters are more concerned about his plans for the country rather than his campaign leadership. However, his challenges have not gone unnoticed. Many potential supporters within the party are questioning DeSantis’ core message and political instincts, particularly after multiple staffing changes and stagnant polling numbers.
Tensions have also arisen between DeSantis’ campaign and an affiliated super PAC, as the latter plans to increase spending on paid advertising to compensate for DeSantis’ financial struggles. Some believe that DeSantis needs to address a broader range of issues instead of solely focusing on the culture wars.
Despite DeSantis’ popularity among Iowa Republicans, his campaign’s turbulent leadership and financial challenges pose a threat to his chances of winning the primary. Recent staffing cuts and stagnant polling numbers have raised doubts about DeSantis’ ability to defeat President Joe Biden.
DeSantis’ campaign has recently adopted a new strategy that heavily relies on the Never Back Down super PAC. The super PAC is paying for transportation and setup costs as it accompanies DeSantis on his campaign events in Iowa. Furthermore, the super PAC plans to increase its advertising investment in Iowa to alleviate the campaign’s financial constraints.
However, the Never Back Down super PAC also faces financial troubles of its own. Its biggest individual donor, Robert Bigelow, has stated that he won’t provide further financial support unless DeSantis attracts new major donors and adopts a more moderate approach. Billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, who expressed support for DeSantis in the past, has not met with the candidate or made any donations to his campaign.
Despite criticism and financial challenges, DeSantis remains focused on culture wars, a popular topic among passionate GOP voters. He believes that cultural issues are closely tied to the economy. DeSantis’ primary strategy has divided his allies, with the super PAC prioritizing Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina while building support in Super Tuesday states. On the other hand, DeSantis’ campaign has been heavily focused on Iowa in recent weeks.
DeSantis continues to campaign extensively in Iowa and has promised to visit all 99 counties before the state’s caucuses. However, he stopped short of predicting a clear victory over former President Donald Trump, the frontrunner in the early stages of the primary race.