According to a new Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll poll published exclusively to The Hill, former President Trump is reportedly the clear favorite to win the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, despite Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) rising national popularity.
In a hypothetical eight-way primary, 48 percent of Republican voters indicated they would vote for Trump, while 28 percent said they would vote for DeSantis. While this is wonderful news for Trump, DeSantis has gained three points in favor since last month.
In the survey, no other potential contender received double-digit support. Former Vice President Mike Pence finished in third with 7% support, while Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley matched for fourth with 3%.
The survey is the latest indication that Trump has managed to retain a devoted plurality of Republican supporters, despite concerns about his continuing influence in the party and if it is time for Republicans to transition to a new generation of leaders.
Even in a hypothetical head-to-head contest between Trump and DeSantis, the former president would win. According to the study, 55% of Republican voters indicated they would support Trump, while 45% said they would support DeSantis.
The Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll poll of 2,050 registered voters was conducted on January 18-19. It is a cooperation between Harvard University’s Center for American Political Studies and the Harris Poll.
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