DeSantis, Other Trump Rivals Seek To Court Evangelical Voters Away From Former President For 2024: WSJ

As the 2024 Republican presidential race heats up, contenders are vying for the support of evangelical voters, a key demographic that has remained loyal to former President Donald Trump, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The Trump Challenge

Despite Trump’s personal controversies, many evangelicals embraced him as a figure who promoted their priorities through his policies and Supreme Court picks. This enduring support makes him a formidable contender in the 2024 nomination race.

The Rivals’ Strategy

Republican hopefuls, including Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, aim to convince evangelical voters that they can deliver on Trump’s promises without the associated controversies.

See Also: DeSantis Gains Ground Against Trump In GOP Primary: Poll

The Evangelical Influence

Evangelicals, who accounted for more than 20% of voters in the 2020 elections, are particularly influential in Iowa and South Carolina, the first and third contests in the GOP nomination process. Trump’s rivals need to make a strong showing in these states to gain momentum in the race.

Trump’s Evangelical Appeal

Trump won over religious conservatives in part by picking Pence as his running mate and by making explicit promises, such as releasing a list of candidates for Supreme Court vacancies, according to the WSJ. His appointments to the court have had significant impacts, including last year’s landmark decision eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion.

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