Pictured: Sen. Grassley speaks to constituents during a May 25, 2023 town hall in Pomeroy.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced earlier this week that he has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the GOP’s presidential nomination, setting the stage for what is expected to be a hotly-contested race between him and Republican frontrunner, former President Donald Trump. The Republican field is already becoming crowded with over a half-dozen candidates more than six months from the first-in-the-nation caucuses. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley says a broad selection of possible nominees is good for the state and for the GOP.
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He adds Iowans are used to seeing presidential hopefuls making regular stops at their local cafés, community centers, and shelter houses. Grassley suggests a contentious caucus will help engage the GOP base.
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Some political experts warn a contentious caucus could lead to voter burnout leading into the 2024 presidential election, but Grassley says the upcoming campaign season for Republicans is unlikely to be more contested than in 2016, which at one point had 19 different candidates. The list of currently declared candidates also includes former South Carolina Governor and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Ohio businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, California radio host Larry Elder, and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott. Some other prominent Republicans are considering launching a campaign, such as former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and others. Grassley made his comments yesterday (Thursday) afternoon during a town hall meeting in Pomeroy.