Who Is John Palmer? The Iowa Pastor Who Switched His Support From Ron DeSantis to Nikki Haley

John Palmer: The Iowa caucuses are the first major contest of the 2024 Republican presidential primary season. They are also a crucial test of the candidates’ appeal and organization in the state that has a significant influence on the nomination process. The outcome can help build or break candidates’ momentum as they vie to secure enough delegates to be the Republican Party’s nominee and take on President Joe Biden in November.

One of the key factors that can sway the voters’ decisions in the caucuses is the endorsement of influential figures and groups in the state. Among them, faith leaders and evangelical Christians have a prominent role, as they make up a large portion of the Republican base in Iowa. According to a 2020 survey by the Pew Research Center, 28% of Iowa adults identify as evangelical Protestants, and 45% of them lean Republican or identify as Republicans.

John Palmer – The Iowa Pastor

In this context, the recent announcement of John Palmer, a retired Iowa pastor and faith leader, has drawn attention and raised questions. Palmer, who had previously supported Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, said he will instead caucus tonight for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Palmer is not just any pastor, but a longtime and influential figure in the Iowa evangelical community.

Just in: CNN announced that Iowa faith leader and retired pastor, John Palmer, has switched his support from Ron DeSantis to Nikki Haley.#IowaCaucus | #IACaucus pic.twitter.com/WGrarcoExk

— Team Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaleyHQ) January 15, 2024

He served as the senior pastor of First Assembly of God, Des Moines, Iowa, from 1985 to 2006, before he became the general secretary of the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the US, in 2007. However, two years later, Palmer had to resign from his position for alleged ethical misconduct, involving an inappropriate relationship with a female church member.

Palmer’s switch of support from DeSantis to Haley is surprising, given that he had personally prayed for and endorsed DeSantis at prior debates and town halls. He had also praised DeSantis for his conservative record and his stance against Covid-19 mandates and lockdowns. John Palmer had said that DeSantis was the best candidate to defeat former President Donald Trump, who is also running for the nomination, and to restore the Republican Party’s values and integrity.

So, what made Palmer change his mind and back Haley instead? According to Palmer, he was impressed by Haley’s performance in the last debate, where she challenged Trump’s legacy and leadership, and presented herself as a unifying and pragmatic leader who can appeal to a broader range of voters. Palmer said he believes Haley has the best chance to win the general election against Biden, and to heal the divisions in the country and the party. He also said he respects Haley’s experience as a governor and a former ambassador to the United Nations, and her ability to handle foreign policy and national security issues.

John Palmer’s endorsement of Haley could be a boost for her campaign, as she tries to gain ground in Iowa, where she is trailing behind DeSantis and Trump in the polls. Haley has been campaigning hard in the state, emphasizing her record as a governor who cut taxes, created jobs, and handled crises. She has also been highlighting her differences with Trump, whom she criticized for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, and for his divisive and erratic behavior. Haley has argued that Republicans need to move on from Trump and embrace a more inclusive and positive vision for the future.

However, John’s endorsement of Haley could also backfire, as some voters may question his credibility and character, given his past scandal and resignation. Some may also wonder if John Palmer is motivated by personal or political reasons, rather than by genuine conviction or faith. Moreover, some may disagree with Palmer’s assessment of Haley, and prefer DeSantis or Trump, who have more loyal and enthusiastic supporters in the state.

The Iowa caucuses are unpredictable and often surprising, as the voters can change their minds at the last minute, or be influenced by their peers and neighbors at the caucus sites. Palmer’s endorsement of Haley may or may not make a difference in the final outcome, but it certainly adds another twist to the already heated and crowded race.