BREAKING: One Candidate Takes A Commanding Lead In The Iowa Caucus

On Monday evening, Republican voters across the state of Iowa packed into crowded gyms, private homes, and various other venues to participate in the highly anticipated Iowa Caucus, the first 2024 presidential contest of the year. Going into the race, 45th President Donald Trump was the expected favorite, while former Gov. Nikki Haley (R-SC), Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), businessman Vivek Ramaswamy (R-OH), and former Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R-AR) all vying for the vote of Iowans.

Blistering cold temperatures defined the night, with temperatures reaching negative 9 degrees Fahrenheit while the wind chill dropped to 35 degrees below zero. As doors were closing around 7 p.m. CST, Trump had a commanding lead against the competition despite the below-freezing temperatures. Within the first 30 minutes of polls closing, Trump had 67.5 percent of the vote compared to DeSantis' 18.6 percent, and Haley's 8.6 percent.

As Iowans go out to caucus on Monday, voters in the next Republican nomination contest on January 23rd in New Hampshire are watching closely at the results. According to Five Thirty Eight's polling average of the Granite State, Trump leads the pack with 43.4 percent compared to Haley's 30.3 percent, DeSantis' 5.8 percent, and Ramaswamy has 4.7 percent. Nationally, Trump has the support of 63.1 percent while Haley has 11.9 percent, DeSantis has 11.6 percent, and Ramaswamy has 4.1 percent.

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