Last updated on November 15th, 2023 at 12:48 am
In the heart of the political battleground, Ron DeSantis finds himself navigating turbulent waters as his campaign for the Republican 2024 presidential nomination takes unexpected turns.
The Granite State’s landscape is witnessing a seismic shift, with DeSantis transitioning from a strong contender to a trailing position, leaving analysts and strategists pondering the implications.
DeSantis, once perched in a respectable double-digit second-place spot, now finds himself in an uncomfortable third-place single-digit position. This shift has been highlighted by the meteoric rise of Chris Christie, the most unpopular former governor in the country, who has temporarily displaced DeSantis.
These dynamics come to life in the race for the Republican nomination, particularly in New Hampshire, where Emerson College polling has revealed an intriguing change in trajectory.
A staggering 49% of New Hampshire’s Republican primary voters intend to rally behind former President Donald Trump for the 2024 nomination, securing him a formidable 40-point advantage over all other contenders. The field has evolved since March, causing DeSantis’ previous double-digit stronghold to crumble into a disappointing 8% support. Notably, this transition has paved the way for the ascent of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie into second place, right behind Trump.
Spencer Kimball, Executive Director of Emerson College Polling, reflects on this reshaping landscape, noting that DeSantis was seen as the Trump alternative in earlier polling cycles. However, the recent dip in DeSantis’ standing marks a significant departure from his usual position as a strong contender.
Despite Christie’s surge, it’s clear that he is not likely to be the nominee, particularly given his lagging popularity beyond the Northeast and his relative insignificance in Iowa.
Nevertheless, his efforts to undermine Trump and his ethos have implications for DeSantis. The Florida Governor, once a vocal critic of Trump’s 2024 candidacy, now finds himself taking fire from both Christie and Trump.
Christie’s mission to dismantle everything that “walks and talks like Trump” inadvertently places DeSantis in the line of fire. In a primary where Trump commands a formidable 50% of the vote, Christie’s criticisms resonate with a specific demographic – possibly consolidating the never-Trump vote in New Hampshire.
Adding to DeSantis’ challenges is his fall from second place in the polls behind the Republican outsider Vivek Ramaswamy. The Kaplan Strategies poll underscores DeSantis’ dwindling support, putting him in third place with just 10% behind Ramaswamy’s 11%. Trump’s unwavering 48% support remains unchanged since the previous poll, underscoring his consistent dominance.
As DeSantis grapples with internal chaos triggered by high-profile staff changes and campaign reboots, the urgency to reverse his downward trajectory is palpable. With the first primary debate on the horizon, he faces the daunting task of winning back support and reclaiming his position as a formidable contender.
The tumultuous journey ahead holds profound implications not just for DeSantis, but for the broader Republican primary landscape, shaping the course of the 2024 election race.
Disclaimer: This article may contain the viewpoint and opinion of the author.