The presidential campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis isn’t looking for a decisive victory in the Iowa caucus.
DeSantis is instead content to settle for a second-place finish in the contest, according to a campaign official interviewed by Politico. Despite the crowded Republican field, the DeSantis campaign is viewing the contest as effectively between DeSantis and former President Donald Trump.
“We believe it’s already a two-person race,” the unnamed official said, stating the campaign would be satisfied with a “strong second-place finish” in the Hawkeye State.
“But the reality is, on the ballot there are other choices, and our goal is to get this down to a two-person race on the ballot, especially as we head into South Carolina and beyond into March.”
“A strong second-place showing gives us an opportunity to go in[to] New Hampshire and show success.”
DeSantis’ campaign and political action committee infrastructure began targeting Iowa shortly after the governor announced his presidential bid in May.
Jeff Roe of the pro-DeSantis Never Back Down PAC said Iowa was a priority for the organization in audio obtained by Politico earlier this month.
“Iowa is a real state for us because of its education — it’s a highly educated