Poll: DeSantis leading Trump in hypothetical California primary battle

Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis leads former President Donald Trump in California.

DeSantis beats Trump "in both a crowded field and head-to-head among Republican voters in California, as the governor is set to speak at a fundraiser for the Orange County GOP," reports the Washington Examiner.

"DeSantis leads Trump in a crowded field by 37%-29%, and he beats the former president by 50%-33% head-to-head," a study conducted by The Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies revealed last month.

DeSantis will visit California next week and will speak at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley. The sold-out fundraising event is part of DeSantis's book tour.

Additionally, the event could be a chance to gain favor among Republicans in California ahead of a very likely presidential run.

"DeSantis has not announced a presidential run, insisting he is focused on governing Florida," reports Washington Examiner. "However, he is expected to launch a bid in late May or early June, once the state legislative session concludes. Trump handily won California in the GOP primaries in 2016, but it was after all major candidates had dropped out."

California's presidential primary elections for the Republican and Democratic parties are scheduled for March 5, 2024.