He is making a comeback.
Donald Trump secured a decisive victory in the Iowa caucuses, firmly establishing himself as the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination. This win not only marked a record-breaking achievement for Trump in the first contest of 2024 but also projected a majority vote, surpassing the margin of victory achieved by Senator Bob Dole in the 1996 Republican caucuses.
Trump’s commanding performance signals a lack of a clear demand for an alternative candidate, reinforcing his position as the race transitions to the upcoming New Hampshire primary. Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis claimed second place, outpacing former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. However, the distant nature of DeSantis’s finish raises questions about its potential to translate into meaningful momentum for his campaign.
In his address to supporters in Des Moines, Trump called for unity across party lines, emphasizing the importance of national cohesion. Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, initially a Trump defender who later clashed with him, suspended his campaign after a fourth-place finish, endorsing Trump in the process.
While neither DeSantis nor Haley signaled intentions to drop out, their performances in Iowa may not immediately reshape the dynamics of the race. Haley, reportedly surpassing DeSantis in the final Iowa poll, positioned herself in a “two-person race” with Trump. DeSantis, displaying resilience in the face of challenges, remains determined to press forward despite falling short of his earlier prediction to win Iowa.
Following his Iowa victory, Trump is scheduled to attend a civil trial in New York before heading to New Hampshire. The voter turnout in Iowa remained uncertain due to challenging weather conditions, with initial estimates suggesting a significant decrease compared to 2016.
DeSantis’s second-place finish averts a worst-case scenario, providing him with an opportunity to continue his campaign. Despite the initial high expectations, the weeks leading up to the caucuses witnessed a recalibration of those expectations. Undeterred by challenges, DeSantis and his team underscore their commitment to a protracted and competitive battle for the sake of the nation. The narrative emerging from the Iowa caucus sets the stage for an extended and rigorous Republican primary.
