DeSantis expecting GOP debates in Iowa, New Hampshire

GOP hopeful Ron DeSantis wants to keep debates among the 2024 presidential candidates going — specifically in Iowa and New Hampshire — before Republicans pick their presidential nominee.

And, the Florida governor is open to taking on former President Trump head-to-head.

“I think we’re going to have a debate in Iowa, and I think we’re going to have a debate in New Hampshire,” DeSantis said during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. “I don’t know that the RNC is going to put it on, but I don’t think that they’re going to block it. And we need to do that in those two early states. I think it’s very important.”

“Hopefully, they’ll raise the thresholds for qualifying. And it may end up just being a one-on-one debate,” he added. “And of course, if the former president is willing to show up and debate, then doing three would be really, really good, but it’s an important part of the process.”

After an early surge, DeSantis has struggled to keep up the momentum in the race. Trump is the clear front-runner for the nomination, despite his legal issues, and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has been climbing in the polls.

The GOP’s last sanctioned debate of the year took place in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Wednesday, with DeSantis, Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie duking it out. Trump has skipped all of the debates, largely citing his wide lead as the reason.

The Iowa caucuses will take place Jan. 15, followed by the New Hampshire primary Jan. 23.

“It’s right to point out that on the ground in the early states, it’s a different picture than what it is in some of these national surveys,” the Florida governor said. “People are going to be very pleased with what happens in Iowa and beyond.”

DeSantis went on to defend Trump, amid his multiple criminal indictments and civil lawsuits.

“I think it’s very difficult for a Republican, much less Donald Trump, to get a fair shake in front of a D.C. jury,” he said.

Still, DeSantis said he doesn’t think that Trump’s support is as solid as national polls suggest.

“I do think that he’s got a hard-core base of support, but I think a lot of that are people that like his policies,” the governor said. “They like him, but they are willing to go a different direction.”

Wednesday’s debate, which was hosted by NewsNation, was the last of four on the Republican National Committee’s 2024 primary schedule, but the GOP has weighed loosening the rules to allow outside debates.

DeSantis already went head-to-head against California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) in a recent Fox News debate. A potential head-to-head between Haley and the Sunshine State governor has also been floated — though the former South Carolina governor seemed to reject the invitation.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.