Former President Donald Trump made history on Monday night, January 15, as he secured an astounding victory in the Iowa caucus, setting the stage for a commanding position in the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race.
With 97% of the expected vote in, Trump claimed a remarkable 51.1% support, surpassing all other candidates by a wide margin.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis followed with 21.2%, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley with 19.1%, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy at 7.7%, who graciously endorsed Trump as the results became evident.
In a victory speech in Des Moines, Trump congratulated his fellow contenders, acknowledging their efforts and emphasizing the need for unity in the country.
He paid tribute to his late mother-in-law, Amalija Knavs, and called for Americans to come together, transcending political divides.
The historic win marked Trump as the first Republican candidate to surpass 50% support in a contested Iowa caucus since 1976.
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Trump dominated in 98 of Iowa’s 99 counties, narrowly missing a clean sweep as Johnson County, home to the University of Iowa, leaned towards Haley.
Despite the early projection of Trump’s victory, DeSantis expressed frustration, accusing the media of unduly influencing the outcome.
He cited instances where news alerts of a “Trump victory” surfaced before speeches concluded or voting began, fueling discontent within the DeSantis camp.
DeSantis, who invested heavily in an Iowa ground game, lamented the perceived bias and the premature announcement of Trump’s win.
However, he reassured supporters in West Des Moines, vowing not to make excuses and expressing determination not to let them down.
As the dust settles in Iowa, the resounding victory positions Trump as the clear front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential race, setting the tone for a highly anticipated and closely watched campaign season.
