Republicans likely to participate in the Iowa caucus said they favor former President Donald Trump by a 2-to-1 margin over his nearest competitor.
About five months out from caucus day, some 42% of respondents said Trump was their first choice, while 19% picked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to an NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll.
No other candidates hit double digits.
Trump and DeSantis were followed by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) at 9%. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence each came in at 6%. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie earned 5%, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy got 4%.
The poll was conducted August 13-17, surveying 406 likely Republican caucusgoers, NBC News reported.
While Trump has been charged in four different criminal cases since March, 65% of poll respondents said they do not think the former president has committed any serious crimes, according to the Des Moines Register.
Some 26% of respondents said Trump had committed a serious crime, and 9% said they were unsure.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Trump is also leading in New Hampshire, beating out DeSantis by 41 points. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie also came ahead of DeSantis, logging 9% support.
The first Republican debate is scheduled for Wednesday night in Milwaukee. Trump confirmed he would not be participating.
“Many people are asking whether or not I will be doing the DEBATES? … People know my Record, one of the BEST EVER, so why would I Debate?” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Ten candidates have qualified for the debate, including former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who met the 40,000 individual donor requirement at the last minute.
“I’m going to support the nominee of the party. I do not expect it to be Donald Trump,” he said in an interview with CNN when asked whether he would sign the loyalty pledge.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and writer Perry Johnson also qualified for the debate, according to Politico.
