Top GOP candidates Haley, DeSantis hosted in Iowa at key debate

Hours before the debate, a major update came when former New Jersey governor Chris Christie ended his New Hampshire-focused campaign.

The top Republican candidates again walked onto the debate stage - this time from Des Moines, Iowa - on Wednesday night at Drake University. It was one of the last chances for the candidates to reach a national audience, and gain favor, ahead of the Iowa caucuses.

Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley and Florida governor Ron DeSantis went head-to-head for the first time this campaign season. 

"We don't need another mealy mouth politician who just tells you what she thinks you want to hear just to try to get your vote, then to get in office and to do her donors' bidding," DeSantis quipped. 

Haley hit back at DeSantis, calling claims regarding his campaign spending.

"He spent more money on private planes than he has on commercials trying to get Iowans to vote for him," Haley said. "If you can't manage a campaign, how are you going to manage a country?"