(RepublicanPeak.com)- According to a recent survey that shows where possible GOP contenders stand in the early stages of the heated 2024 campaign, former President Trump has a slight advantage over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in a hypothetical primary.
A recent CNN poll of likely Republican voters and Republican-leaning independents reveals that Trump has 40% of respondents backing, while DeSantis comes in at #2 with 36%. While DeSantis hasn’t formally declared his candidacy, the governor’s recent book launch and private meetings with significant fundraisers have reignited talk of a run for president in 2024.
According to the survey, Trump has a 40% to 32% advantage against DeSantis among Republican-leaning and likely independent women. Between all voters, the governor of Florida and the previous president were almost tied at 39% each. Moreover, the former president earned 48% of the vote from those aged 18 to 45, while DeSantis garnered just 30%. The survey shows that among voters aged 40 and above, DeSantis had a 5% edge over Trump.
DeSantis received 65% of the vote when respondents were asked about their first and second choices for the Republican nomination. Trump came in second with 59%, Pence was the preferred candidate for 22%, Haley secured 15% of the vote, and Pompeo received 9%.
Over 60% of probable Republican voters would prefer to choose a candidate who shares their views on important issues than the one who would have the best chance of defeating President Biden if he ran again.
Around 32% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said the economy was the most significant issue when deciding who to vote for, 16% said immigration was the most important, and 13% said the quality of the candidates was the most crucial factor. Over 10% named foreign policy the most pressing problem, followed by 7% who cited the size or expenditure of government, and another 7% who noted problems with morality and rights. A plus-or-minus 3.8% error range is associated with the CNN poll, which was conducted between March 8 and 12.
Eighty-seven percent of likely Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said they want a candidate who is smart and has the stamina to get things done, while 59 percent said that a candidate’s promise to keep Social Security and Medicare as they are is crucial, 57 percent want someone who can carry the torch for the future of the GOP, and 54 percent back government action against “woke” values.
Nikki Haley, a former U.N. ambassador, and Mike Pence, a former vice president, tied for second place with 6% of the vote, while all of the other potential candidates combined (including South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin) received less than 2%.
