IOWA — Dr. Cody Hoefert, former co-chairman of the Iowa Republican Party, announced his endorsement of Ron DeSantis today, citing the Florida governor’s performance at the GOP debate on Wednesday.
“There was one candidate that stood in the center of the stage, stood strong, and spoke about the issues Iowans cared about,” Hoefert said today in Northwest Iowa.
“He talked about leadership. He talked about what he’s going to do to deliver and fix the problems that our nation faces. And I sat there with my wife and kids watching that debate and made up my mind that night that I was going to come out and endorse Ron DeSantis for president of the United States,” Hoefert added.
“I AM LOOKING FOR LEADERSHIP”
Hoefert, who previously backed Donald Trump, became critical of the former president after he attacked Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and took credit for her reelection as governor of the Hawkeye State.
“I will tell you that I am looking for #leadership from our candidates tonight on the #GOPDebate stage,” Hoefert posted during the debate.
I will tell you that I am looking for #leadership from our candidates tonight on the #GOPDebate stage
— Dr Cody Hoefert (@drcodyhoefert) August 24, 2023
Iowa Republican strategist David Kochel said Hoefert is well-known and well-liked among Iowans in the GOP-heavy northwest. Hoefert’s endorsement, according to Kochel, comes at a time when DeSantis is trying to show strength and movement in Iowa.
A solid endorsement from an outstanding Iowa Republican leader. DeSantis campaign has to feel good about this one as a post-debate signifier. https://t.co/UgpJwXvm7h
— David Kochel (@ddkochel) August 25, 2023
A recent poll of Iowa caucusgoers shows that DeSantis’ total Iowa “footprint'' is only two percentage points behind Donald Trump. DeSantis’ footprint is 61 percent, while Trump’s is 63 percent.
Note: The footprint metric is calculated by adding voters’ first choice, second choice, and who they’re still considering.
