Here Is Who Won the Trump–DeSantis Straw Poll

Donald Trump was the clear winner of the much-anticipated straw poll by the Conservative Political Action Conference, (CPAC). This confirms his status as the favorite candidate among the Republican grassroots for his bid to the White House in 2024. He holds a strong lead of 62%.

Trump was easily ahead of his nearest competitor, Florida governor. Ron DeSantis received only 20% of the votes. It was no surprise that Trump was the number one pick in each of the five CPAC straw votes, which are a gauge of presidential preferences.

Carla Sands was Trump’s ambassador to Denmark in the past. She told The Epoch Times that she expected the outcome.

“[Trump] was the former president who won more Republican votes than any U.S. president before him,” Sie said. “It doesn’t surprise me.”

Sands still had positive things to say about Desantis.

“Desantis is fantastic,” Sie said. “He’s a wonderful governor, but Trump was the best president.”

In Orlando’s CPAC straw vote, Trump got 59 per cent of the votes while DeSantis received only 28 per cent. CPAC has become Trump-friendly over the years. Many potential Republican presidential candidates such as DeSantis and Mike Pence have chosen to forgo the event.

Sebastian Gorka was Trump’s ex-deputy assistant. He felt exactly the same. Gorka replied that he was not surprised by the result of the vote. “No, of course not.”

Kari Lake, a former Arizona governor candidate spoke highly about President Trump as well as Gov. Desantis is a supporter of Trump, but believes he will do the job.

“This country needs Trump,” Lake spoke to The Epoch Times. “And he knows how to win.”

Lake also thanked Governor Desantis’s work in Florida. Others commented on Trump’s energy and charisma, and said it was a major reason he is likely to be the nominee in 2024.

Trump’s win in the straw poll demonstrates his popularity with the conservative base as well as his strength in the Republican Party.

“Thank you for that beautiful straw poll,” In his speech that followed, Trump stated these words. “That was a big win.”

Trump, Vivek and Nikki Ramaswamy (both declared presidential hopefuls) will speak at the conference on Saturday evening.