Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is making strategic moves to bolster his primary campaign, as he makes his presence known in South Carolina, the home state of former Governor Nikki Haley. Despite canceling a few television interviews due to travel, DeSantis's team plans to reschedule them.
DeSantis kicked off his swing through South Carolina in Myrtle Beach, engaging with voters and addressing their concerns. One of the main points of focus in his campaign is his pledge to declare an emergency at the border and implement strict immigration policies. Furthermore, DeSantis's camp highlights the pressure on Haley to secure victory in her own state. If she fails to do so, the expectation is that she would bow out of the race gracefully.
The DeSantis campaign believes that there is a considerable conservative voter base in South Carolina, making it unlikely for Haley to secure a win. On the other hand, Haley maintains that the race primarily revolves around her and the frontrunner, former President Trump. In response to DeSantis's visit, a spokesperson for Haley expressed their sentiments, stating that South Carolina is a great state and hoping that DeSantis's team enjoys their time there.
Critics of DeSantis argue that he has been relatively invisible in New Hampshire and South Carolina, suggesting that he is far from being a significant contender in either of those states. Nevertheless, the DeSantis campaign refutes these claims by pointing out the governor's recent visit to New Hampshire and his planned return ahead of this week's primary.
In a strategic move, the majority of DeSantis's campaign staff is being relocated to South Carolina to concentrate their efforts on a state where former President Trump has garnered substantial support. Trump's endorsement has proven influential across the country, and DeSantis hopes to capitalize on this momentum.
Senator Tim Scott, along with Senator Lindsey Graham and Governor Henry McMaster, will join DeSantis in lending their support in South Carolina. Notably, DeSantis does not have any events listed for South Carolina today, but he does have a campaign event scheduled for tonight in Manchester, New Hampshire.
As the primary campaign intensifies, DeSantis aims to solidify his position as a strong contender. His strategic moves in South Carolina indicate a desire to secure the state's conservative voters while also building momentum in New Hampshire. Only time will tell how these efforts will translate into success in the upcoming primaries.