Florida officials, lawmakers descend on Iowa to campaign for DeSantis

DES MOINES, Iowa – A number of Florida lawmakers traveled to Iowa over the weekend in support of Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Iowa caucus, the first state to make its voice heard in the 2024 GOP primary.

“Adrian and I are proud to be in Iowa knocking on doors and speaking to Iowans about our great Governor @RonDeSantis,” Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez said. “There is no candidate that has worked harder than Governor DeSantis. Looking forward to tomorrow night!”

Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, also traveled to the Hawkeye State.

“Great to be here in Iowa with my friend Speaker @Paul_Renner, working the phones for America’s Governor @GovRonDeSantis!” Passidomo said.

DeSantis, who has pitched his presidential case to all of Iowa’s 99 counties, has received state endorsements from over 330 officials, including Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.

“I’m asking you to go out, brave the cold and support me in the Iowa Caucus,” DeSantis said. “You will never have an opportunity to have your vote make more of an impact than you will tonight!”

Temperatures for the Iowa Caucus Monday are expected to be the coldest on record, with highs hovering around zero degrees.

Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, and Rep. Michelle Salzman, R-Escambia County, also braved the weather.

“-10 temps do not stop Team Collins. Out knocking doors for @RonDeSantis,” Collins said.

Bryan Griffin, DeSantis’ press secretary, and Christina Pushaw, DeSantis’ rapid response director, also stopped in Iowa for the governor.

“When @ChristinaPushaw and I first started our jobs as press secretary in Florida, I don’t think either oen of us ever expected to be out here in the snow and subzero temperatures in Iowa,” Griffin said. “But now we couldn’t imagine being anywhere else, or supporting anyone else in this primary.”

Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. additionally joined in support.

Rep. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, issued his support on the ground.

“Rise an shine #Iowa! It’s game day and Courtney and I are up early with the hardest working Governor in America, @RonDeSantis! Let’s do this!” Burgess said.

Rep. Taylor Yarkosky, R-Montverde, flew back to his home state in support. Yarkosky was born in Albia and attended the University of Iowa.

“I’m en route back to my homeland if Iowa to work w/ @GovRonDeSantis and team to get him to victory!” Yarkosky said.

Rep. Kiyan Michael, R-Jacksonville, posted a candid message in support.

“What blizzard yo? When you know your candidate is the only candidate ready to be the next President, you don’t let record snow stop ya from hitting doors,” Michael said.

While having a strong contingent, some Florida lawmakers have switched their allegiance from DeSantis former President Donald Trump.

Those that flipped from DeSantis to Trump include: Sen. Debbie Mayfield, R-Melbourne, and Reps. Jessica Baker, R-Jacksonville; Webster Barnaby, R-Deltona; Alina Garcia, R-Miami; and Kevin Steele, R-Dade City.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio also announced his support for Trump.

According to the latest polling data, DeSantis has dropped to third place in the Iowa caucus behind South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Trump. His polling average lists him at 15.65%, a few points behind Haley and well below Trump’s lead of nearly 53%.

However, a polling error in Iowa could propel DeSantis to second.