DeSantis gaining support; Trump still popular in GOP

While recent public polling suggests that Republican voters in California are increasingly favoring Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as their preferred candidate for the 2024 presidential primary, attendees at the California Republican Party convention this past weekend remain firmly in support of former President Donald Trump. 

Delegates, activists, volunteers, and local officials at the convention in Sacramento made it clear that Trump is still the man to beat, with his name and slogans visible on signs and campaign paraphernalia throughout the event. 

In contrast, DeSantis, who has not yet declared that he is running for president, received much less attention. 

While some polls indicate that DeSantis is gaining ground on Trump, among the most committed and hardcore Republicans in California, it's not even close. 

Grassroots straw polls and merchandise sales at the convention showed that Trump continues to be the overwhelming favorite, with attendees viewing him as the only candidate with the necessary experience to take on President Biden and win. 

While some attendees liked DeSantis, many believed that he should wait and build his power in Florida to become an even more powerful contender in the future.