DeSantis eyes 2024 from afar as GOP rivals move toward runs

By STEVE PEOPLES, THOMAS BEAUMONT and ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE
Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis may be months away from publicly declaring his presidential intentions, but his potential rivals aren’t holding back. A half dozen high-profile Republican White House prospects have begun courting top political operatives in states like New Hampshire and Iowa. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, the only announced candidate so far, is launching regular attacks against DeSantis while locking down key staff and endorsements in South Carolina. DeSantis’ team has had informal conversations with a handful of prospective campaign staff in key states. But compared with potential rivals, the Florida governor appears to be stepping into the 2024 race much more deliberately.