DeSantis touts endorsement from Iowa's Bob Vander Plaats

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday announced that he had received the endorsement of Family Leader CEO Bob Vander Plaats, an influential social conservative leader in the Hawkeye State.

"As I’ve made my way through 98 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Iowans have shared what a critical role [Bob Vander Plaats] plays in engaging Iowa’s faith community in the key battles that matter. His support tells Iowans they can trust me to fight and win for them," the governor said. "We’re thrilled to have Bob and Darla on Team DeSantis and are thankful for their friendship as we’ve gotten to know them throughout this campaign. The road to America’s revival starts in Iowa, and we will get the job done."

DeSantis has campaigned heavily in Iowa ahead of the January Caucus, hoping to notch an early win in the Republican primary to gain momentum against former President Donald Trump, who maintains a substantive lead nationwide.

Vander Plaats's endorsement comes on the heels of GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds throwing her support behind DeSantis as well.

"We need someone who will fight for you and win for you," she declared earlier this month. "That leader is Ron DeSantis."

Despite the Florida governor's best efforts, however, he has struggled to put a dent in Trump's lead, even in the critical state. Trump currently holds an average 29.7% lead in Iowa, according to RealClearPolitics, with 47.0% overall support. DeSantis, meanwhile, trails with 17.3% while former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is in a close third with 14.3%.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.