Ron DeSantis
GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis.
  • Ahead of the Iowa caucuses, Ron DeSantis remains mired behind former President Trump in the polls.
  • With Trump poised to win Iowa next month, DeSantis has to map out a game plan for later contests.
  • DeSantis will have to lean harder on an issue like abortion to flip more GOP voters to his side.

For months, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' campaign has focused on winning Iowa, a state filled with the sort of conservatives and evangelical voters that would normally be drawn to his campaign. It is central to his argument. Last week, he capped off his 99-county tour of Iowa, which he has portrayed a barometer of his dedication to winning the state.

As it stands, he looks poised to lose in Iowa, and lose big.