"DeSantis' Decline Opens Up Second Place Race in GOP Primary"

The race for second place in the crowded Republican primary contest is heating up, as candidates vie for the opportunity to directly challenge front-runner Donald Trump. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who was once in second place, has seen his popularity wane, creating an open field. Candidates such as Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, and DeSantis are now in a close contest for second place. Haley has been gaining ground with Republican moderates and is distinguishing herself on fiscal and foreign policy. The upcoming GOP debate is seen as a decisive moment for candidates to make their move.