2024 PRESIDENTIAL RACE: DeSantis follows up Iowa caucus with Palmetto State stops

GREENVILLE, SC (WOLO) — In Monday night’s Iowa caucus, Florida governor Ron DeSantis took home second place behind former President Donald Trump, winning nine delegates and 21 percent of the vote.

Tuesday, he was in South Carolina speaking to voters ahead of next month’s Republican primary here in the Palmetto State.

Starting his morning in Greenville, Ron DeSantis was critical of former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who he edged out for 2nd place in Monday night’s Iowa caucus. 

“It’s really about leadership and about being willing to stand up to teacher’s unions, the left and Democrats and deliver big victories,” DeSantis said. “She obviously was not able to do that.”

The Florida governor was also critical of current president Joe Biden, saying that under his leadership, America has become a nation in decline.

“I’ve met so many young families that cannot buy a home because of interest rates. The American dream has slipped away,” DeSantis said. “Our cities have crumbled with crime, drug use and homelessness. It’s tragic to see what’s happening. You look at a country that can’t even control its own borders.”

DeSantis told South Carolina voters that he is a better option than Donald Trump because the former president failed to deliver on his campaign promises from 2016, claiming that he has done the opposite as governor of Florida.

“I met all those promises and I over delivered,” the Florida governor said. “Isn’t that what you want out of a leader? Having somebody that actually delivers results I think is important.”

After his morning trip to Greenville, Ron DeSantis made a stop by Columbia to speak at the statehouse before leaving South Carolina for New Hampshire.

“I applaud the members of the legislature who are standing up and doing what’s right. I think South Carolina has recently had a number of years that have been productive,” DeSantis said at the statehouse. “People are fleeing states that are doing poorly and moving to states like Florida and South Carolina because they are governed well.”

With South Carolina’s Republican primary just over a month away, DeSantis says he will be back in the Palmetto State.

“Here we got a good footprint but you’re going to see us be present more not just in terms of me being in the state more but also paid media where we can tell our story,” he said.

South Carolina’s Republican presidential primary is set for Saturday, February 24.