Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley are racing against the clock, with only 49 days remaining until the Iowa caucuses, in an attempt to narrow the gap between them and the frontrunner, former President Donald Trump.

In the critical state of Iowa, where early momentum holds significant importance for candidates, DeSantis and Haley are currently tied for second place. The caucuses will be held on January 15, followed by the New Hampshire primary eight days later.

Despite facing legal battles, Trump maintains a substantial lead in Iowa and national polling, making him the far frontrunner in the state with just under two months until the caucuses.

DeSantis has managed to secure crucial endorsements in Iowa, including those from influential figures like Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats. The Florida governor has dedicated significant time and effort to the state, making it a focal point of his 2024 presidential primary bid.

To leave no stone unturned, DeSantis has undertaken the 'full Grassley,' a reference to longtime Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. This involves personally campaigning in all 99 counties in the state, with his final county visit scheduled for December 2 in Newton. DeSantis' comprehensive approach, combining paid media, candidate presence, and a robust ground game, aims to maximize his chance of success in the Iowa Caucus.

Haley, though not committing to the full Grassley, has also dedicated substantial time to Iowa. Recent polls indicate that she and DeSantis are tied for second place, lagging behind Trump, who maintains a strong lead. Trump's ability to spend less time on the ground while sustaining his advantage is a testament to his loyal support base in the state.

Iowa's Republican activist, Andy Cable, acknowledged DeSantis' groundwork but emphasized that Trump's dedicated supporters might not require the same level of on-the-ground organization. While Haley's late emergence has grabbed attention, doubts remain about her organizational strength in the state.

Besides Trump, DeSantis, and Haley, there is a field of remaining Republican candidates, including author and biotech millionaire Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and Texas-based businessman and pastor Ryan Binkley.

The Super PAC backing DeSantis' campaign, Never Back Down, recently experienced a setback when its chief executive, Chris Jankowski, announced his departure. Jankowski cited the "untenable" situation, which led to his decision to step away from supporting DeSantis' candidacy.

Adding to the stakes, DeSantis is set to participate in a televised debate against California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. The event, hosted by Fox News and moderated by Sean Hannity, holds significance as Newsom could potentially be a Democratic candidate for the 2024 election if President Joe Biden decides against running.

Haley has been gaining momentum through impressive performances in Republican primary debates. She has effectively defended herself against attacks from competitors and expressed more moderate views, even urging her party not to push for a national abortion ban.

With just 49 days remaining until the Iowa caucuses, DeSantis and Haley face an uphill battle to overcome Trump's significant lead. Additionally, recent polling in New Hampshire indicates a decline in support for DeSantis, who now finds himself in fifth place. While New Hampshire's Republican voters tend to be more moderate than those in Iowa, the shift underlines the challenges that lie ahead for DeSantis and Haley in their pursuit of securing the nomination.