Trump slightly increases Iowa lead, as Haley continues catching up with DeSantis

Former President Donald Trump's lead in Iowa for the 2024 GOP presidential primary has slightly increased, as former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley further solidifies her spot as a top contender, according to a survey released Monday.

With less than three months before the Iowa caucus, 43% of Iowans place Trump as their first-choice candidate, according to a survey from NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom. The group survery in August had Trump at 42%.

Because Iowans are among the first to ballot in the next year's presidential primary election cycle, a win or at least a good showing is critical toward staying in the race for the nomination.

The poll was conducted Oct. 22-26 with 404 likely Republican caucus-goers with a 4.9% margin of error.

Haley, in the poll, is now tied for second with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as Iowans' first choice, each at 16%. She was at 6%, while DeSantis was at 19% in the group's survey in August. 

Other recent polls have also shown Haley cutting into DeSantis' solid, second-place position. 

However, Haley still trails DeSantis as Iowa voters' second choice in Iowa, according to the latest poll of the state. While 27% of voters said DeSantis is their second choice, 17% said the same about Haley. 

The results in Iowa reflect those nationwide, as a new McLaughlin and Associates survey showed that Trump's support is increasing while DeSantis and Haley were tied at 8%.

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