Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spent a combined $72 million in Iowa to place second and third in the Iowa Republican caucuses.
The massive amount of money spent on losing Iowa indicates how strong former President Donald Trump’s grassroots support is in the state.
By the numbers, Haley spent two million more than DeSantis — the most out of any candidate. Both amounted to more than half the total $123 million in ads between the Republican candidates since Monday.
Below are the campaigns and outside group ad spending for Republican primary candidates in Iowa since January 1, 2023, CNN reported:
- Pro-Haley: $37 million
- Pro-DeSantis: $35 million
- Pro-Trump: $18.3 million
- All others: $33.2 million
CNN entrance polling showed positive signs for Trump during election night.
