The 2024 Presidential race is experiencing the slowest start in twenty years. This time in 2019, 13 major Democratic candidates had entered the Presidential race, and candidates were conducting rallies and town halls. They were also hiring staff and hauling in fundraising dollars.
So far, former President Donald Trump is the only major candidate to enter the race. Now, three months after the former President entered the race, Trump-era United Nations ambassador, Republican Nikki Haley, is anticipated to join the race.
As pundits attempt to predict who will be the next Republican Presidential nominee, there are really two categories. The first category is Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R), and the second is everyone else.
This isn’t to say that other candidates couldn’t move up the list and claim the party’s nomination — as politics is everchanging. Yet, with the current data available — including polls, endorsements, and early on-the-ground reporting, a ranking has emerged of who is likely to be the GOP’s nominee.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Although he is yet to confirm his entry into the Presidential race, DeSantis has already booted Trump from the top spot. Those denying his ranking as the top dog should consider that every rival, including Trump and New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, has piled on to DeSantis.
In New Hampshire and several other states, Republican voters have gravitated to DeSantis, who they consider Trump without the baggage.
Former President Donald Trump
Trump is sitting on hoards of cash and, despite ongoing criminal investigations, has maintained his influence among Republican voters.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz
The third spot is far more challenging to call, but so far, all signs point to Cruz.
Cruz ended 2016 as Trump’s primary runner-up, positions former Republican Presidential nominees like Mitt Romney, John McCain, Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole, and George H.W. Bush all had.
Cruz has also kept himself relevant among the GOP’s growing MAGA base without breaking allegiance with Trump.
Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley
Haley ranks higher on the list, given she will be entering the Presidential race this week. The former South Carolina Governor doesn’t have a job at the moment, freeing up her schedule to participate in rallies and campaigns.