Former President Donald Trump commended GOP newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy in May of this year while consistently voicing criticism towards Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
A May 2023 report by The Washington Post shed light on Trump’s public critique of DeSantis, a move that took many by surprise, considering DeSantis’s previous alignment with Trump’s policies. This criticism underscores a potential rift between the two prominent political figures, possibly endangering DeSantis’s standing within the GOP.
Conversely, Vivek Ramaswamy, a former biotech executive, has been gaining prominence within the Republican Party. His recent appearances in interviews alongside notable figures such as Jim Acosta and Tucker Carlson have further bolstered his public profile.
A recent poll reveals that Ramaswamy has moved ahead of DeSantis in national polling. According to the Kaplan Strategies survey of 800 likely voters in the GOP Primary contest, DeSantis trails just behind Vivek Ramaswamy, garnering 10% support in comparison to Ramaswamy’s 11%. Both candidates lag far behind Donald Trump, who commands 48% support.
In the midst of Trump’s legal challenges, the runner-up may potentially be summoned to step into the Republican nomination. While it remains premature to predict the outcome, Ron DeSantis’s prospects appear bleak as the debate season approaches. His poll numbers are on a decline, and his campaign is showing signs of disarray. The battle for second place has begun.