The GOP primary is not yet crowded with only former President Donald Trump and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley has officially joined the race. Yet, there are many other potential candidates that are expected to join the race including former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. With so many different candidates, there are some of the strongest contenders in the race and their current standing.
- Former President Trump
Trump was the first major GOP member to have joined the presidential race for 2024. While he started the race in the top spot, according to some recent polls he is not dropping behind DeSantis who has been quickly gaining more support.
Trump has particularly been affected by the underwhelming performance of many of his GOP-backed candidates in the 2022 midterm elections. His presidential campaign launch was also not as strong as some might have hoped. Still, Trump remains the candidate to beat in the GOP primary.
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
While DeSantis has not yet announced his own bid for the White House, according to most polls in a one-on-one match against Trump, he would most likely come out on top. Many Republican voters are fans of DeSantis’ conservative policies, his fight against “culture war” issues, and his ability to fight for his political agenda.
- Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley
Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor, and United Nations ambassador, was the first candidate to challenge former President Trump in the GOP primary. She has so far had a dynamic campaign language and her distinct appeal has made many wonder whether she is the answer to expanding the GOP’s appeal. As a woman, and the daughter of Indian immigrants, if Haley won the presidential elections she would become the first female President in U.S. history.
