Despite DeSantis’ emphasis on his blue-collar background during his campaign, it has not resonated with working-class voters. According to a recent poll, Trump remains the top choice among potential GOP primary voters.

Despite DeSantis' emphasis on his blue-collar background during his campaign, it has not resonated with working-class voters. According to a recent poll, Trump remains the top choice among potential GOP primary voters.

Ron DeSantis: A Quest to Connect with Middle-Class Voters

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has been positioning himself as a champion of middle-class values in the 2024 race. While he may have an impressive educational background, having attended Yale University and Harvard Law School, he never forgets his blue-collar roots. Growing up in Dunedin, Florida, he worked as an electrician’s assistant during high school, providing him with a unique perspective on the struggles faced by working-class families.

DeSantis wants middle-class Republicans to relate to him, highlighting his efforts to reopen public schools and small businesses early in the pandemic. He believes these actions demonstrate his commitment to their interests. However, recent polling data from the New York Times/Siena College sheds light on the challenges facing DeSantis in winning over working-class Republicans.

The poll reveals that among likely GOP voters earning less than $50,000 annually, former President Donald Trump enjoys a commanding lead over DeSantis, with a staggering 65% to 9% margin. This 56-point advantage showcases the continued loyalty that working-class Republicans have for Trump, even in the face of a formidable contender like DeSantis.

Interestingly, even among GOP voters earning over $100,000, a demographic that had previously shown some support for DeSantis, he still trails behind Trump by 23 points (46% to 23%). This data suggests that DeSantis has yet to establish himself as a strong alternative to the former president among higher-income Republicans as well.

Overall, the Times/Siena College poll indicates that Trump continues to hold a substantial lead in the GOP primary. Among likely primary voters, 54% chose Trump as their top choice, while DeSantis garnered just 17% support. Other contenders, such as former Vice President Mike Pence, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, and former Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina, all lagged significantly behind at 3% support. Meanwhile, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former Governor Chris Christie trailed even further at 2% support.

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Thus, DeSantis faces a twofold challenge in the race for the GOP nomination. Not only does he struggle to compete with Trump in terms of appealing to working-class voters, but he also finds it difficult to gain overall traction in the race. Despite early optimism that DeSantis’ entry into the race could disrupt Trump’s frontrunner status, the polling numbers suggest that Trump still maintains strong support within the party.

Trump’s popularity extends beyond a mere nationwide appeal. He holds considerable advantages in key early-voting states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. These states will play a pivotal role in determining the candidate who can build the momentum necessary to secure the GOP nomination.

In conclusion, Governor Ron DeSantis aims to connect with middle-class voters, emphasizing his humble background and his commitment to their interests. However, the latest poll results reveal the difficulty he faces in winning over working-class Republicans who remain fiercely loyal to former President Trump. While DeSantis continues to trail behind Trump in the broader GOP race, Trump’s significant leads in key early-voting states suggest that he remains a formidable force to reckon with. The road to the GOP nomination is paved with challenges, but DeSantis remains committed to his quest to win over middle-class voters and make a lasting impact on the Republican Party.

• Donald Trump
• Republican Party
• Ron DeSantis