Ramaswamy outperforms DeSantis in Kaplan Strategies poll

The rise of Vivek Ramaswamy in the polls for the GOP primary has led the entrepreneur to surpass Ron DeSantis for second place, according to Kaplan Strategies.

Donald Trump remains in distant first place, with 48% of the vote. Ramaswamy garnered 11% of the vote, beating DeSantis by 1%. Former Vice President Mike Pence placed fourth with 8%. He was followed by Chris Christie (4%), Nikki Haley (4%), Tim Scott (2%), Doug Burgum (1%) and Asa Hutchinson (0%).

It is bad news for DeSantis, who has been steadily dropping in the polls, and it could get even worse: Doug Kaplan, president of Kaplan Strategies, assured that Ramaswamy, who is of Indian descent, has high potential to rise even further as he is still unknown to many voters.

"Vivek Ramaswamy’s ascent to second place and Governor DeSantis’s pursuit, closely followed by Vice President Pence’s advances, have shaped the dynamics," Kaplan said, adding: