Former President Donald Trump fell just short of a clean sweep in the Iowa Caucus, losing by a single vote in Johnson County. Trump received an impressive 1,270 votes, but former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley clinched victory with 1,271 votes, securing approximately 35.5% of the vote. Despite this setback, Trump’s dominance in the rest of the state positions him as a formidable force in the Republican presidential primary.
Haley’s unexpected win did not save her from finishing behind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who claimed second place overall. She attributed her third-place finish to the growing momentum indicated by polling numbers in upcoming primary states. “When you look at how well we’re doing in New Hampshire, in South Carolina and beyond, I can safely say tonight Iowa made this Republican primary a two-person race,” Haley stated confidently.
DeSantis, who invested significant time and resources in Iowa, managed to outperform some polling expectations by finishing at roughly 21%. This result provided the much-needed boost to his campaign. In his speech, DeSantis acknowledged the challenges faced during the race, expressing gratitude to his supporters for their unwavering support. He also emphasized the long battle ahead, highlighting the high stakes for the nation.
Trump’s lead in the polls remains significant in both New Hampshire and South Carolina, with a 14-point lead in the former and a 30-point lead in the latter, according to the Real Clear Politics average of polls. These numbers solidify his position as a frontrunner.
The outcome of the Iowa Caucus sets the stage for an intense battle in the Republican presidential primary. With Trump, Haley, and DeSantis emerging as key contenders, the race is expected to become even more competitive as it moves forward.
Digital’s Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report. Timothy Nerozzi is a writer for Digital. For more updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and political content, follow him on Twitter @timothynerozzi or reach out via email at [email protected]. Stay subscribed to this newsletter for the latest news.
