Missouri poll suggests Nikki Haley could erode Ron DeSantis’ 2024 prospects

Single-state polling of a potential Republican race for President continues to be released, and one recent Missouri survey could be bad news for Florida’s Governor.

The Missouri Scout private news service rolled out a Remington Research poll showing former President Donald Trump marginally ahead of Ron DeSantis in a three-way hypothetical contest with former United Nations Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

Trump garnered 38% support, three points ahead of DeSantis’ 35%. Haley was the choice of 8% of respondents, with undecided voters making up 19% of the sample.

The poll of 800 likely Republican Primary voters was in the field Feb. 8 and Feb. 9. One of the earliest polls to be conducted after Haley made it clearer she was launching a campaign this month, the survey suggests DeSantis’ strong performance in two-person polls, where he often defeats the former President, may be a function of an “anybody but Trump” wing among Republican voters that ultimately could be up for grabs when Primaries and Caucuses convene next year.

Single-state polls will be especially of interest, as DeSantis continues to act like a presidential candidate in the making, especially given news that allies of DeSantis are forming a super PAC ahead of an expected run for the White House beginning later this year, perhaps after the Legislative Session this Spring.

Much like his predecessor Rick Scott, who was cloying and coy when asked about launching his seemingly inevitable run for the Senate in 2018, DeSantis hasn’t communicated his intent clearly to media.

“Everyone wants to talk about me in Florida,” DeSantis crowed during a press conference in July. “Like, I’m just sitting here, little ol’ me, doing my job!”

Despite this commitment to playing dumb for locals, the Governor has made it clear he sees himself as a national figure, including in recent comments that otherwise didn’t respond to a scurrilous claim by Trump.

“I spend my time delivering results for the people of Florida and fighting against Joe Biden — That’s how I spend my time,” DeSantis said. “I don’t spend my time trying to smear other Republicans.”