Former President Donald Trump secured a decisive victory in the first 2024 Republican presidential contest in Iowa, further solidifying his influence within the party as he aims for a rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden. Trump, 77, won with an unprecedented margin for an Iowa Republican contest, receiving 51% of the vote with 95% of the tally complete. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis finished in second place with 21%, while former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley came in third with 19%, Reuters reports.
🚨#BREAKING: Donald Trump has won 98 out of 99 Iowa Counties after Nikki Haley flipped Johnson County with a single vote over Trump pic.twitter.com/EthFz1zICz
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 16, 2024
Trump’s performance, despite facing numerous challenges including criminal charges, impeachment, and involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, underscored his enduring popularity among Republican voters. Nearly two-thirds of caucus-goers embraced his false claims about voter fraud, and over 60% believed Trump would still be fit to serve as president even if convicted of a crime.
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who earned just under 8% of the vote, ended his long-shot presidential bid and endorsed Trump.
WATCH: President Trump just took the stage at his VICTORY PARTY in Iowa after winning the Iowa Caucus in a LANDSLIDE!
It’s an honor to be here! The energy is ELECTRIC!!!
I LOVE PRESIDENT TRUMP!!!! #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/PRLN3IH59d
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) January 16, 2024
An Edison entrance poll revealed Trump’s dominance across various demographics, including men and women, conservatives, independents, and those with different education levels. Trump also garnered support from Republicans concerned about immigration and those focused on the economy.
The results showcased the strength of Trump’s hold on the Republican Party, prompting more speculation that he is on a fast track to securing the nomination.
Despite the loss, both DeSantis and Haley vowed to continue their campaigns, ensuring that Trump’s opposition remains divided as the primary moves to other states. New Hampshire, a more moderate state, will host the next Republican primary in eight days, where Trump maintains a lead over Haley in polls, with DeSantis trailing.
Trump, seeking an air of inevitability, has skipped debates and largely avoided traditional campaigning ahead of the Iowa vote.
