Ron DeSantis faces campaign struggles in Iowa ahead of caucus after betting big on first state: report

A recent Suffolk University poll released on Thursday has the Florida Governor at 13 percent, which is 7 points behind Haley's 20 percent and 41 points behind former President Trump's 54 percent in the state.

According to The Wall Street Journal, DeSantis focused a large portion of his resources on the state. A strong showing, they contend, is important to keep momentum heading into New Hampshire. When asked by a reporter if he had the money to stay in the race after Iowa, DeSantis said, "We will be fine."

"I would rather be the underdog. I understand that there are a lot of folks who have wanted to create a narrative really from the beginning of the election. I’d rather be in that position," he added.

The outlet notes that the Florida governor has been on the receiving end of $46 million in negative ads placed by his rivals in the race, as many Republicans have rallied behind former President Trump. This comes amid the Biden administration's weaponized of the Department of Justice against him.

Those who are behind DeSantis have hope that he can still have a strong showing in Iowa. Religious leader Bob Vander Plaats told the outlet, “If the polls are right, every other caucus-goer or every other person in my base would tell me, ‘I’m voting for Donald Trump’—and that’s just not true.”

Earlier this week, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie dropped out of the race. A hot mic picked up Christie revealing that Ron DeSantis called him "petrified" before cutting out. He also suggested that Haley is "gonna get smoked."

On Wednesday, a CNN debate between DeSantis and Haley was overshadowed by a Fox News town hall with former President Trump. The town hall gardened 4.3 million views and almost two million more views than the debate.