DeSantis Sets Groundwork in South Carolina

Though polls indicate that he's coming up short to President Donald Trump (R), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is still amassing support for a speculated 2024 presidential run. DeSantis has been traveling the state, touting Florida's achievements while highlighting that the country could learn from Florida's accomplishments. Though the GOP primary won't take place for another year, DeSantis appears to be setting the groundwork in South Carolina for a competitive race.

In the 2020 presidential election, South Carolina voted for President Trump. As such, DeSantis appears to be courting local leaders and developing a political operation to gain momentum in popularity and outreach.

Dave Wilson, a Republican strategist in South Carolina, discussed the outreach, saying that "DeSantis is making the calls, and he should be if he wants to build the groundswell support he's going to need in South Carolina."

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (R), who formerly served under President Trump, is the first Republican lawmaker to pose a challenge to the president. Though she has not directly mentioned the president in her criticism, she has insinuated that the country needs to move on from the leaders of the past.

However, Haley is not polling as strongly as Trump or DeSantis. In contrast, Trump has not mentioned Haley in his criticism instead focusing on DeSantis.

South Caroling Senator Tim Scott (R) is another lawmaker that has been speculated to be preparing a presidential run, but he has not commented on a possible presidential bid.

Over the weekend, President Trump held his first campaign rally in Waco, Texas. Speaking on a number of topics including Governor DeSantis, Trump announced his 2024 Texas Elected Leadership Team. The team is composed of a number of loyal supporters including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R), Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), Rep. Pete Sessions (R), and Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R) among others.