Trump and DeSantis Target California in 2024 Nomination Race
LOS ANGELES, Sept 29 (Reuters) – Presidential rivals Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis will be making their pitch to Republicans in California on Friday, as they compete for the party’s 2024 nomination. California, known for its wealthy donors, is a coveted prize in the race.
Trump, the former president and current frontrunner for the party’s nomination in the November 2024 general election, will join forces with Florida Governor DeSantis to address activists and donors at a convention organized by the California Republican Party in Anaheim, just south of Los Angeles.
This event comes on the heels of Wednesday night’s Republican presidential debate, which Trump chose to skip. During the debate, DeSantis delivered his most direct challenge yet to Trump’s leadership in the race. Meanwhile, Democratic President Joe Biden also made a trip to California this week to raise funds for his re-election campaign.
While Democrats are expected to easily win the liberal state in next year’s general election, California holds a significant value in the battle for the Republican nomination. With 169 delegates up for grabs, winning delegates state by state is crucial in determining who will secure the nomination.
Trump’s chances of capturing all 169 delegates were boosted by a recent rule change in how California’s delegates are awarded. If he manages to secure more than 50% of the primary vote in the Golden State, he will receive all of the delegates, rather than them being allocated proportionally.
Many of the delegates who will attend the Republican nominating convention next year are expected to be present at the Anaheim event. In addition to Trump and DeSantis, two other presidential candidates, U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, will also be speaking at the convention.
The event in California marks a crucial moment in the race for the Republican nomination, as candidates aim to gain support and secure delegates. With Trump currently leading DeSantis by a significant margin in the latest Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll, all eyes will be on their interactions and speeches at the convention.
Reporting by Tim Reid; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Daniel Wallis
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