DeSantis Breaks Tradition with South Carolina Visit after Iowa Caucuses

Following the recent Iowa caucuses, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has decided to defy conventional political norms by making his initial post-caucus stop in South Carolina rather than New Hampshire, where the next voting contest is scheduled to take place. While New Hampshire's primary is slated for January 23, a mere eight days after the Iowa caucuses, South Carolina's primary is not until February 24. Despite this, DeSantis' campaign has confirmed his attendance at an event in Greenville, South Carolina, on Tuesday morning, followed by a subsequent visit to New Hampshire for a meet and greet and a town hall on the same day. This unorthodox decision is seen as a strategic maneuver to apply pressure on Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, who currently holds a significant lead over DeSantis in early polling in New Hampshire and South Carolina. DeSantis' campaign attributes the move to his numerous endorsements from current and former elected officials in South Carolina, surpassing those of Haley. Notably, Haley has referred to South Carolina as the critical state for her campaign. DeSantis' campaign aims to convey his vision across the nation, emphasizing their readiness for a sustained and competitive campaign, particularly in New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, and beyond into March. Despite concerns regarding the viability of DeSantis' campaign, his supporters view the unforeseen detour to South Carolina as a display of unwavering commitment and a means to invigorate his base. This atypical move signifies a determination to disrupt Haley's momentum and reaffirms DeSantis' position in the race.