DeSantis Ends 2024 Presidential Bid, Throws Support Behind Trump Before New Hampshire Primary

January 22, 2024

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis bows out of the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Donald Trump just ahead of the crucial New Hampshire primary. Nikki Haley emerges as the last challenger to Trump in the Republican nomination race. Delve into the unfolding dynamics reshaping the GOP landscape.

In a surprising turn of events, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race, announcing his endorsement of former President Donald Trump. This decision comes mere days before the pivotal New Hampshire primary, leaving former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley as Trump's primary contender for the Republican nomination.

DeSantis' departure marks a significant twist in what was once considered a promising presidential bid. Despite a substantial financial investment, the governor faced a disappointing outcome in the Iowa caucuses, prompting him to exit the race just ahead of the New Hampshire primary.

The endorsement from DeSantis is anticipated to consolidate his supporters behind Trump. Recent polls in New Hampshire indicate that a considerable majority of DeSantis backers see Trump as their second choice. This shift is likely to bolster Trump's standing in the upcoming primary, positioning him as the front-runner against Nikki Haley.

In a video shared on social media, DeSantis officially threw his support behind Trump while delivering a pointed remark at Haley. "He has my endorsement because we can't go back to the old Republican guard of yesteryear: a re-packaged form of warmed-over corporatism that Nikki Haley represents," DeSantis asserted.

At a rally in Rochester, New Hampshire, Trump commended DeSantis and expressed eagerness about collaborating to defeat President Joe Biden in the general election. Trump accused Haley of forming an "unholy alliance" with liberals, never-Trumpers, and Republicans in Name Only (RINOs) to secure victory in the New Hampshire primary.

Trump holds a substantial lead over Haley in New Hampshire polls, and his campaign is banking on a consecutive win to solidify his eventual nomination. The former president also maintains a commanding lead in South Carolina, where Haley served as governor from 2011 to 2017. A loss in her home state could deal a significant blow to Haley's presidential aspirations.

While DeSantis' exit reshapes the dynamics of the Republican primary, the fundamental contours of the campaign are expected to remain largely unchanged. With DeSantis' support dwindling, Trump is poised to benefit from the majority of the governor's backers, making him the primary beneficiary of this development.

As the New Hampshire primary approaches, Haley intensifies her efforts to challenge Trump, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach. However, with Trump's widespread popularity among Republicans, the path ahead for Haley remains challenging.

The Republican primary unfolds with Trump as the dominant force, setting the stage for a contest between the former president and Nikki Haley. With DeSantis' endorsement amplifying Trump's influence, the battle for the Republican nomination gains clarity, leaving Haley to navigate the challenging terrain in her pursuit of the presidency. The weeks ahead will determine the trajectory of the Republican primary and its implications for the 2024 presidential election.