(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – Cementing his leading position in the run-up to the Republican Iowa caucuses, former President Donald Trump has achieved an unprecedented lead among likely Iowa caucus-goers, according to the latest NBC News/Des Moines Register poll.
Trump has garnered the support of 51% of Iowa voters, marking a striking 8-point increase since an October poll. This surge places him well ahead of his closest competitor, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who currently stands at 19% support.
The poll results indicate that the narrowing of the GOP field and the increase in campaign activities by Trump’s challengers have seemingly played to his advantage. Notably stagnant in the poll is Nikki Haley, who continues to maintain the support of 16% of likely caucus-goers, mirroring her October numbers. Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie are trailing behind, capturing 5% and 4% of first-choice support, respectively.
Veteran pollster J. Ann Selzer, who has been conducting polls in Iowa for three decades, described Trump’s lead as “commanding” and highlighted the impact of the reduced field on his strengthened position.
Trump’s support is notably robust among key demographics, including evangelical Christians, self-identified Republicans, first-time caucus-goers, and white men without college degrees. However, he shows weaker performance among Iowa’s college-educated voters, independents, and suburban residents.
While significantly behind Trump, DeSantis leads in the secondary contest for caucus-goers’ alternative choices, with 30% considering him as their second option and 18% actively contemplating voting for him. Haley, currently in third place, is viewed as a second choice by 17% and actively considered by 19% of likely caucus-goers.
Following the last debate, officially scheduled by the Republican National Committee, the poll indicated that 49% of Iowa caucus-goers had decided on their candidate, an increase from 41% in October. Meanwhile, 46% are still in the process of deciding.
This poll underscores the dynamic nature of the GOP primary race, particularly in the critical early-voting state of Iowa, and highlights Trump’s formidable position as the contest approaches.
