DES MOINES, Iowa — The Young Republicans National Federation held a mock caucus over the weekend to show the importance of the Iowa caucuses and how they all work.
It was a chance for Iowans as well as those from out of state to gather and learn how to caucus. And with an early chance to put forth their support for a 2024 GOP contender, one candidate in particular stood out: former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley.
- Nikki Haley — 37.8%
- Donald Trump — 23.3%
- Ron DeSantis — 16.7%
- Ryan Binkley — 7.8%
"We're seeing a lot of interest around Nikki Haley and I think she's really worked hard, one to connect with younger voters," said YRNF Midwest Regional Vice Chair Brett Barker.
Young Republicans held a straw poll in August, with DeSantis taking first and Haley in fourth. That's just one sign of how the race has changed over the months.
"A lot of it had to do with the most recent debate actually, and I think some of the comments that came out of the debate," said Mary West, state chair of Iowa Federation of Young Republicans. "The media surrounding the debate influenced a lot of people."
West added that such events like the mock caucus are about "momentum" and who may be headed in the right direction come January.