By Steve Contorno and Jeff Zeleny, CNN
(CNN) -- Florida Gov.
Ron DeSantis
will make his first appearance in Iowa on Friday, an unmistakable flirtation for a
top-tier Republican presidential contender
that brings his expected bid for the White House a step closer to reality.
Though DeSantis doesn't plan to make a formal announcement on his political future until May or June, the Iowa visit, followed by a stop in Nevada on Saturday, highlights the increasing priority of his presidential ambitions and a desire to send a clear signal to
GOP donors
, activists and potential campaign staff in early-voting states about his intentions.