In the world of politics, it’s never too early to start thinking about the next election. And with the 2024 presidential race just a few years away, speculation is already heating up about who might be the Republican nominee. According to the latest odds, former President Donald Trump is leading the pack, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley trailing behind.
The odds, which are calculated by various betting markets and political analysts, give Trump a significant advantage over his potential rivals. As of August 2021, he has a 42% chance of winning the nomination, compared to just 21% for DeSantis and 10% for Haley.
This should come as no surprise to anyone who has been following Trump’s post-presidential activities. Despite losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, he has remained a dominant force in the Republican Party, using his massive platform and loyal base of supporters to push his agenda and attack his opponents.
In recent months, Trump has been particularly active in endorsing and campaigning for candidates in key races across the country. He has also continued to spread false claims about the 2020 election being stolen from him, which has only further solidified his status as a hero among his supporters.
DeSantis and Haley, on the other hand, have been working hard to position themselves as viable alternatives to Trump. DeSantis, in particular, has gained national attention for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida, which has earned him praise from conservatives and criticism from liberals.
Haley, meanwhile, has been making the rounds on the talk show circuit and publishing op-eds in major newspapers, trying to establish herself as a thoughtful and reasonable voice within the party. She has also been critical of Trump at times, which could hurt her chances with his die-hard supporters.
Of course, it’s still early days in the 2024 race, and a lot can change between now and then. Other potential candidates, such as Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, could emerge as serious contenders. And there’s always the possibility that Trump himself could decide not to run, or that he could face legal or political challenges that make it difficult for him to mount a successful campaign.
But for now, the odds are in Trump’s favor. Whether that’s good news or bad news for the Republican Party remains to be seen.
