DAVE & DUJANOVIC

With DeSantis out of the race, who will Utah republicans vote for?

Jan 23, 2024, 9:00 AM

Uncertainty among Utah republicans as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis exits the 2024 Presidential Race. D...

FILE: Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a meet and greet, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

SALT LAKE CITY — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, leaving some Utah Republicans in a state of uncertainty. DeSantis had gained significant support among Utah Republicans and was seen as a strong contender in the state.

DeSantis got a lot of support during the Republican convention in Utah, where he nearly doubled former President Donald Trump in a straw poll. With 54% of the 2300 Republicans favoring DeSantis compared to 29% for Trump.

Now that DeSantis has dropped out of the race, attention turns to Nikki Haley who has seen growing support.

Robert Axson, chair of the Utah Republican Party, remains confident in the Utah Republican Party’s process, assuring that voters will have their say on March 5th during the caucus night and that they will, “stick with [their] nominee. Whoever it ends up being,” to face off against President Joe Biden. 

Axson said, ” The last four years have been anything but smooth sailing for the American public and certainly not here in Utah. We’ve we’ve certainly weathered the storm.”

“I think the American public are ready for a return to some of the ideas and principles that the Republican party has articulated in the past.” Axson said.

Related:

DeSantis ends 2024 presidential campaign and endorses Trump

What DeSantis told the Utah GOP about the 2024 election

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Dave & Dujanovic

Life jackets are pictured at the Saratoga Springs Marina at Utah Lake on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022....

Curt Gresseth

Come on in, the water’s fine (but remember to wear a life jacket)

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation law enforcement chief shares his knowledge and experience with selecting the right life jacket and using it safely.

9 minutes ago

High amounts of spring runoff cause swelling of rivers across the state....

Esme Sanchez Estevez

Spring runoff concerns in Salt Lake County

Kade Moncur, Director of Public Works Engineering with Salt Lake County talk through the recent spring runoff concerns with resources to be use this summer.

8 hours ago

Yardley Makefield Marine Rescue leaving the Yardley Boat Ramp along N. River Road heading down the ...

Curt Gresseth

Utah experts share life-saving boat safety tips

As spring moves into summer, two Utah experts share their knowledge and experience about boat safety.

3 days ago

Police in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, detain people pulled from a U-Haul truck near the city's Pride cele...

Curt Gresseth

Lawyer rips Idaho prosecutor for not charging 18-year-old man, who allegedly yelled racist and sexual slurs at U. women’s basketball players

KSL's legal analyst criticizes a northern Idaho prosecutor's decision not to charge a young man accused of shouting racist and sexual slurs at black players on the University of Utah women's basketball team while in Coeur d'Alene.

7 days ago

walmart store sign covered, walmart hiring people without college degrees for high-paying positions...

Sam Herrera

LISTEN: Walmart hiring more workers without college degrees for high-paying corporate jobs

In an exclusive interview with ABC News, Walmart U.S. CEO spoke on the company's efforts to hire and promote employees without college degrees.

8 days ago

Utah teacher starting pay is 10th in the nation....

Dave Noriega and Debbie Dujanovic

Would you choose to be a teacher if your starting salary was $49,555?

An April report found the Utah teacher average starting pay sat shy of $50,000 in the 2022-2023 school year.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

a doctor putting her hand on the chest of her patient...

Intermountain Health

Intermountain nurse-midwives launch new gynecology access clinic

An access clinic launched by Intermountain nurse-midwives provides women with comprehensive gynecology care.

Young couple hugging while a realtor in a suit hands them keys in a new home...

Utah Association of Realtors

Buying a home this spring? Avoid these 5 costly pitfalls

By avoiding these pitfalls when buying a home this spring, you can ensure your investment will be long-lasting and secure.

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

With DeSantis out of the race, who will Utah republicans vote for?