(Radio Iowa) – Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis now has the public support of a well-known voice in Iowa’s evangelical community. Bob Vander Plaats, president and C-E-O of The Family Leader, endorsed DeSantis late yesterday (Tuesday) during an appearance on the Fox News Channel.

Vander Plaats says DeSantis is the candidate best positioned to win the presidency in 2024. Vander Plaats personally endorsed Mike Huckabee in 2008, Rick Santorum in 2012 and Ted Cruz in 2016 before those candidates won the last three competitive Iowa Caucus campaigns.

Former President Donald Trump’s campaign points to a pollster’s memo suggesting Vander Plaats’ endorsement would have no significant impact on the 2024 Iowa Caucus race.

Polls show Trump has a significant lead among likely Iowa Caucus goers, with DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley battling for a second place finish.